Nasal Spray to Prevent Colds

The common cold seems to infect just about everyone at some time or another. Many home remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter medicines claim to prevent the runny nose, sneezing and congested sinuses that accompany colds. However, it's sometimes difficult to determine what's been proven and what works best. Recent studies involving decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline have shown that these sprays can lower the prevalence of the cold virus in the nose before symptoms are even noticeable.

Oxymetazoline Study

• A study performed by the University of Virginia in Charlottesville intentionally infected 94 healthy volunteers with the cold virus for a study in 2009. Three hours after infection, before any symptoms were manifested, half of these were given nasal spray containing oxymetazoline and the other half were given a saline spray. After the initial application, the sprays were applied three times a day for five days. Although cold virus levels are generally at their highest two to three days after infection, virus levels of those given the oxymetazoline spray began to drop by the second day. The colds of those treated with the saline spray continued at normal rates. The results of this study suggest that decongestant nasal sprays do have some effect at preventing full-blown cold symptoms when taken at the onset of a cold virus infection.

  Commercial over-the-counter nasal sprays that contain oxymetazoline include Afrin, Dristan 12-Hour Nasal Spray, Vicks Sinex 12-Hour Nasal Spray and Duramist Plus.

Decongestant Nasal Spray Warning

• If a decongestant nasal spray is used for more than three days in a row, it is possible for any cold symptoms present to be intensified. For this reason, it is best to use the spray to prevent major cold symptoms only after the very first signs of a cold are noticeable or if you are sure that you have been infected. No matter what the results, never use a decongestant spray for longer than three days in a row. Always read and follow all instructions and warnings on nasal spray packaging.