If you can start Zicam at the first sign of a cold, it really does help a lot! I also suck zinc lozenges between zicam doses - zinc helps also. If you already have a raging cold, then Zicam may not help much - but it's worth a try.
If you do have a cold and you are going to have others in your house, then carry around a bottle of Purel or some sort of instant hand sanitizer that is at least 60% ethyl alcohol. It will kill all cold virus that gets on your hands, thus preventing or minimizing the spead of the virus to others in your house. It is much better than antibacterial soap and can be used before you handle food, dishes, etc.
Good luck!
