I do not recommend this product.

Application of topical zinc (even in small quantities) to the nasal membranes, can
potentially affect the sense of smell, (and taste) permanently for some people.

This has been in the news quite a bit, and here is a website
that has information on it. This last link on it, discusses the settlement
to a class action suit against Zicam:
http://www.zicamsideeffects.com/claim/zicam-suit.html

And this medical site goes into more detail:
http://www.tasteandsmell.com/apr04.htm

So beware any nasal product applied directly, that contains zinc.

I have seen the "new" swab product... I wouldn't use that either. It appears to be some compromise as it won't reach the olfactory bulb directly...but still I would NOT use it.

Oral daily doses are to be preferred.

The drug Biaxin, has also been shown to affect smell/taste.