Abstract: Frequent application of a virucidal hand lotion containing malic acid, citric acid, and a C.sub.1-6 alcohol will prevent the hand-to-hand transmission of rhinoviruses and reduce the incidence of the "common cold" caused by rhinoviruses.

Abstract: The common cold and related disorders such as influenza, acute sinusitis, acute otitis, and infectious exacerbations of obstructive pulmonary disease, are best treated by providing a combination of antiviral agents and antiinflammatory compounds to a patient infected with a cold or influenza virus. An antiviral agent and two antiinflammatory compounds given to a person infected with a cold virus simultaneously reduces the likelihood of a cold developing and the amount and duration of viral shedding, as well as substantially reduces the severity of individual cold symptoms and the overall number and severity of cold symptoms. Supplementing the activity of the combined antiviral and antiinflammatory agents with such compounds as antihistamines and alpha agonists results in suprisingly good nasal benefits. Particularly good treatment results when an antiinflammatory compound which will reduce the volume of mucus secretion and/or reduce the viscosity of mucus present in the sinus cavity.

Abstract: The common cold is best treated by providing a combination of antiviral agents and antiinflammatory compounds to a patient infected with a cold virus. An antiviral agent and two antiinflammatory compounds given to a person infected with a cold virus simultaneously reduces the likelihood of a cold developing and the amount and duration of viral shedding, as well as substantially reduces the severity of individual cold symptoms and the overall number and severity of cold symptoms. Supplementing the activity of the combined antiviral and antiinflammatory agents with such compounds as antihistamines and alpha agonists results in suprisingly good nasal benefits. The combination therapy, termed COVAM therapy, is well tolerated and has no evidence of short-term toxicity.

Abstract: The common cold is best treated by providing a combination of antiviral agents and antiinflammatory compounds to a patient infected with a cold virus. An antiviral agent and two antiinflammatory compounds given to a person infected with a cold virus simultaneously reduces the likelihood of a cold developing and the amount and duration of viral shedding, as well as substantially reduces the severity of individual cold symptoms and the overall number and severity of cold symptoms. Supplementing the activity of the combined antiviral and antiinflammatory agents with such compounds as antihistamines and alpha agonists results in suprisingly good nasal benefits. The combination therapy, termed COVAM therapy, is well tolerated and has no evidence of short-term toxicity.