In a meta-analysis on 14 studies, Echinacea decreased the odds of developing a cold by 58% and reduced the length of colds by approximately one and a half days.
People who perceived greater social support were less likely to come down with a cold, and the researchers calculated that the stress-reducing effects of hugging explained about 32 percent of that beneficial effect.
Jo caught a bad cold through neglect to cover the shorn head enough, and was ordered to stay at home till she was better, for Aunt March didn't like to hear people read with colds in their heads.