I dare not type the brand name lest I be accused of promoting a product. I am wondering if anyone can vouch for the effectiveness of those vitamin lozenges sold over the counter as a preventive measure against colds and viruses on planes. Any thoughts?

If they actually worked on a plane their sale woulnd't be limited to people who are flying IMO.

You usually catch a "cold" by innoculating your mucous membranes (nose, eyes, etc.) with some form of rhinovirus, often with your hands.

Sucking on something isn't likely to change that unfortunately.

Well, I think that using the lozenges only while on the plane won't help. But if you boost your immune system with some vitamin C, zinc, and other antioxidants about 10 days to 2 weeks before your flight, if you have some lozenges while flying it might work. But I am inclined to say that it's the consistant intake of immune-boosting vitamins before and maybe a few days after your flight that will do the most good. And, as the previous poster mentioned, hand-washing is always good. Carrying small bottle of antibacterial hand sanitizer will work well too. Plus getting plenty of rest before and after the flight (espeically if it's hard for you to sleep while on the airplane). Sorry if it's too much info, I'm a nurse! I guess to specifically answer your question, I don't believe that purely using the lozenges will prevent colds or viruses...the other things I mentioned will help better.

One reason we have yet to find a totally effective prevention of the "common cold" is the fact that the virus is constantly mutating.

Sometimes even the strongest immune system cannot fight it off.

I think you've received excellent advice from Jamie, especially the handwashing part. However, unless you are using something which specifically kills viruses, plain old soap and water and friction for 10-15 seconds at a time may be just as effective.

Absolutely Dukey. That's why all those tips are just to help ward off the cold. Sometimes you just get it, as I just did a few days ago...I'm still coughing my way through the tail-end and no amount of vitamins or handwashing kept it away...but I think it might have lasted longer and been worse had I not.