It's my understanding that we spread cold germs when the cold is "productive" (i.e., coughing and sneezing). Well, I don't have the time to seclude myself every time I have a cold - so I believe in drugs. I guy the generic, cherry-flavored equivalent of Alka Selzer Plus, a big pill that fizzes when dropped in water. Within half an hour, it stops my cough and sneezing for three or four hours. After that, I go home and go to bed.
Oh...and I avoid alcohol when using that sort of medication.

-Joe-