I get a lot of letters at this time of year from people complaining that they have a cold which won't go away. There are so many different stories about how to prevent or cure a cold it's often difficult to know what to do. Although colds are rarely dangerous, except for people who are already weak, such as the elderly or young babies, they are always uncomfortable and usually most unpleasant. Of course you can buy lots of medicines which will help to make your cold less unpleasant, but you must remember that nothing can actually cure a cold or make it go away any faster. Another thing is that any medicine which is strong enough to make you feel better could be dangerous if you are already taking drugs for some other illness, so always check with your chemist or doctor to see whether they are all right for you. And remember they might make you sleepy. Please don't try to drive if they do! Lastly, as far as avoiding colds, the best answer is to keep strong and healthy--you'll have less chance of catching a cold, and if you do, it should not be so bad. Where might this passage come from ?