WHAT MEDICATION TO TAKE FOR COLDS

[r-o-y-1]

Hi I have a cold and am not sure what medication to take with Pred- on 10mg at present for PMR. You may think a strange post but the last time I had a cold I ended up in hospital with Pnuemonia and I am due to fly to USA on Friday so any advice would be really appreciated.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Roy,

Despite what the various packs promise, the only thing really is paracetamol, along with plenty of drinks to keep you rehydrated. Plus Vit C.

I've taken that for years as a preventative from when my husband was first diagnosed with coronary problems long before GCA came along, and it's stood me in good stead, cannot recall last time I had a cold. So add that to your long list of tablets for future reference. Echinacea is also another preventative, something I take prior to long haul flights, but you need about six weeks worth for it to be effective.

Not any good in your present situation, but may help in future.

Sorry can't be more help, but others may have some better ideas!

[r-o-y-1 in reply to DorsetLady]

That's great thank you- although I normally use Echinacea but read somewhere not good with steroids.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to r-o-y-1]

Don't know about that, maybe if you take it all the time. I took it for 6 weeks before I went to NZ, was on 7mg at the time, and had no ill effects. Enjoy the US.

[r-o-y-1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you Dorset Lady- will do

[Runrig01 in reply to r-o-y-1]

You are correct. Echinacea should not be used by people taking medication to suppress the immune system. The reason for this is echinacea boosts the immune system so working against the steroids. I agree with DL the best thing is regular paracetamol and plenty of fluids. Ironically I used to always get colds prior to steroids, like DL I take a daily slow release Vit c. Seems to do the trick, I've been on steroids 3 yrs and no colds. Good luck, Runrig x

[piglette]

I use menthol crystals to clear my nose, which really works well for me. I also have my own concoction to help the cold, whisky, drambuie and blackcurrent juice topped up with hot water. You can always put it in the microwave and leave out the water! When you start to see double the cold has disappeared! Luckily I very rarely get colds, touch wood.

You are right echinacea is not something you should take with pred.

[r-o-y-1 in reply to piglette]

Thank you- will give it a try!

[HeronNS]

I was told recently, by PMRPro, that echinacea and pred should not be taken together, although I had just taken a few capsules when I had a cold while on holiday, no apparent ill effects. I think an ounce of prevention is a good idea, too. Take some little alcohol wipes with you - you can buy boxes at the pharmacy - and when you are on the plane wipe down every hard surface you will be touching - seat arm, tab that operated a drop down table, controls for on board entertainment, etc, and offer some to your seatmate as well! In a hotel make sure you wipe down all the odd things like tv remotes, light switches, door handles, telephone, faucet and toilet handles. I know that sounds weird but I am sure it helps. The reason I had a cold when I was travelling last month was because I'd already caught it from hubby before we left, but the last few times I've flown and stayed in hotels I've been fine, although in the past it was nearly a given that I'd come down with something while away.

[r-o-y-1]

Another great suggestion thank you Heron NS for taking the time to reply.

[weathervane]

Try steaming with some drops of tea tree oil and gargle with warm salt water. Not pleasant but can help. Enjoy your holiday☀️☀️☀️

[Mama48]

My sister, who lived in USA, used to put drops of Olbas on a handkerchief and sniff it throughout the flight. She found that kept her from succumbing to an infection on arrival. I know you already have a cold but it might help

[Annodomini]

I don't find that a mild decongestant does me any harm. I mean the kind of thing you find in Lemsip which also contains paracetamol. I have to be careful which product I buy because some contain caffeine and I react badly to that.

[abcsue1]

I had a cold when on 10 mg of prednisone and took the regular tylenol cold and flu and woke up at 4 in the morning with a massive nose bleed first one in my 64 yr. same thing the next night, so quit taking the cold and flu tablet and havent had a nosebleed since. So would recommend working thru a cold without taking any extra meds.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I've never taken anything for a cold in my life - I seem to have survived!

Maybe something on the lines of piglette's recipe but not blackcurrant juice. lemon for preference. But that just makes you not care about the cold so much...

[oatleypark]

Hi Roy,

came across a non medication relief which has worked for me and all those who have also tried this simple non medicinal approach.

When the first signs of cold or flu hit take 1 teaspoon of bicarb soda in a glass of water 3 times on the first day, twice on the second day and once for the following 2 to 3 days.

You should find that the longevity and severity of the cold or flu will be greatly diminished, I have gone from up to 4 weeks to recover to 1 week or less, those who try it please give feedback.

Cheers,

Oatley Park