Colds

[jp_bl_68]

(I know that threads asking for medical advice aren't allowed but I'm hoping an exception might be made in this case as I'm asking for some advice on the common cold, and it's not really an illness that you would see your GP about as it's relatively minor. If this still isn't allowed then I apologise).


Is there anyway to nip a cold in the bud? I've woken up with a sore throat and I'd really like to prevent it from developing into anything more serious (in before "man up"). Normally I'd just ignore it and get on with things but work is incredibly busy right now and they're only going to get worse as the week goes on.

Is there anything I can try to reduce the symptoms or nip this in the bud altogether (either over the counter/non-prescription medication or home remedies)?

 

[Cosimo]

I just use a throat spray and drink lots of lemon tea.

 

[physichull]

I'm not sure you can nip it in the bud, but I have tried!

Usually I can tell when a cold is about to come on, usual sore throat etc, so I have one of those blackcurrant lemsips (the lemon ones are gross!). That usually does a good job, but if the cold decides it wants to stay longer, then there really is very little I can do about it except ride it out.

I don't usually drink hot drinks, but blackcurrant lemsips are brilliant when ill.

 

[Van Hellseek]

Just generally try to be healthier than you usually are. Try to get your vitamins, drink plenty of water, sleep well and lay off the booze binges for a while.

 

[jp_bl_68]

I just use a throat spray and drink lots of lemon tea.

What's the name of the spray you use?

Usually I can tell when a cold is about to come on, usual sore throat etc, so I have one of those blackcurrant lemsips

Is Lemsip just paracetamol?

Just generally try to be healthier than you usually are. Try to get your vitamins, drink plenty of water, sleep well and lay off the booze binges for a while.

I try to drink lots of water and I don't drink alcohol. As for vitamins and sleep I don't think I've been getting enough of either recently.

 

[Fry750]

Vicks first defence appears to work well.

Whenever I've taken in pre-cold, I just end up with a marginally runny nose.

Never develops into a Defcon 5 style annoyance.

 

[Shmo]

Could try stuffing your face with garlic. Who knows if it'll work though.

Neurofen cold and flu, behind the counter stuff, helps a bit if it does get bad. Wouldn't sit around today though. Get everything done that you need to like shopping and stuff just in case it does get bad.

 

[Van Hellseek]

As for vitamins and sleep I don't think I've been getting enough of either recently.

Supermarket-brand multivitamin?

I sometimes take these in winter, but tbh I have no idea if they actually work or if it's basically just a placebo. Doesn't hurt for the sake of a couple of quid though.

 

[Cosimo]

What's the name of the spray you use?

Vicks Ultra Chloraseptic Throat Spray.

 

[jp_bl_68]

Supermarket-brand multivitamin?

Vicks Ultra Chloraseptic Throat Spray.

Vicks first defence appears to work well.

I'll give all of that a go. Thank you.

Wouldn't sit around today though. Get everything done that you need to like shopping and stuff just in case it does get bad.

That's the plan. Shopping on the last Saturday before Christmas..............

 

[MikeHunt79]

Mustard is a great decongestant... Just have extra mustard with whatever you plan to eat.

 

[Efour]

I used to take 2 jars of mustard into the shower, now i just take 1.

 

[Things change I've changed]

I've read up on practically every cold/flu remedy out there and the only thing that seems to genuinely help is having an extra dose of zinc, but the thing is it has to be taken at the first signs of a cold, even a slight tickle in your throat, from what I've read it can really help cut back the symptoms.

 

[[TW]Sponge]

Yes lemsip is 1000mg paracetamol. But It's warm and lemony

Honey and Lemon is my favourite, with 2 sugars. Perks you up for the morning

 

[willhub]

There is no way to stop a cold, once you've got it you just have to let it take its course, all these medicines and stuff for em can only reduce discomfort.

 

[Paul. W]

Last time I had a cold come on, went straight the supermarket and bought the strongest Beechams Cold and Flu tables.

Then I got about 6 litres worth of fruit smoothie drinks, and loads of soup and other healthy bits.

Took the pills religiously every four! hours, and had a massive smoothie drink with every meal.

Cold was gone in 48 hours. Works for me.

 

[JBuk]

Beechams for Flu tablets seem to help me loads when I get a cold

 

[gillywibble]

There is no way to stop a cold, once you've got it you just have to let it take its course, all these medicines and stuff for em can only reduce discomfort.

This, they just make you feel better. Placebo? Possibly, apart from paracetamol to reduce your temperature.

I don't usually take anything. If it goes onto my chest, I might take some Sudafed, but apart from that just dose up on a hot honey and lemon drink.

 

["andy"]

gargle diluted tcp

 

[krooton]

Gargle warm salt water (do not swallow!)
Wash hands properly with soap and water throughout the day
Avoid touching your face and mouth idly, helps spread anything you pick up on your hands

I'm not some germophobe, but recently started doing this as I am away on holiday next week and everyone at work and on the tube seems to be ill.

So far, so healthy