Doctors and researchers question the efficacy of many common over-the-counter treatments for colds and flus. Jeff Greenberg/Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images hide caption toggle caption Jeff Greenberg/Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Shots - Health News What works for treating the common cold? Many doctors say 'not much' KQED November 30, 2023 One common decongestant, phenylephrine, was found ineffective this fall. Doctors are skeptical about the rest of the over-the-counter cold cures lineup.