We’ve yet to discover a cure for the common cold (let alone COVID or flu), even though viruses and other infections have been with us as long as we’ve walked the planet. But research on the common cold has been helpful. We’ve learned a lot you might not know that can help the next time a cold (or worse) strikes.

Do you feel down or depressed when you’re sick? Overwhelmed by an undone list of items needing doing? Stuck in brain fog? All of the above? There’s good reason. It’s not you; it’s your inflammatory cytokines! Cytokines, or proteins in our immune system, move into high gear when we’re sick. That’s healthy for immunity but has a lot of untoward emotional effects. Namely, it creates behavioral........

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