Common Cold - Let nature take its course or not?

Supercell

Given we have no cure for the common cold, does taking symptom suppressants actually prolong the infection ?

My theory is the body elevates temperature and the runny nose, sore throat etc are all part and parcel of the bodys effort to fight the infection.
However by taking mediation like decongestants , disprin etc you are supressing the immune system and thus prolonging the effects.

Interested to hear any other opinions.

DrIndy

The symptoms of a cold are not neccesarily caused by the virus, but the response of the immune system to fight the virus, you get a fever because pyrogens are released that reset the body thermometer at a higher level, this increased temperature makes the enzymes of the viruses and bacteria less effective and gives a fighting edge. The release of histamine which allows immune cells into tissue to fight the disease results in fluid leak too and causes the blocked and runny nose. A sore throat is caused by the release of immune markers that stimulate the pain receptors.

All these are components of the immune system - blocking them helps with the symptoms but it is an interesting question that does blocking them reduce the effectiveness of the immune system and prolong the viral infection?

If anyone has an evidence of this, please post it here.