What is the best way to cope with a cold?

[BronteM]

Having successfully avoided the local bug for weeks.....I've now got it. But I'm not sure how to treat it? At the moment I'm concentrating on steaming, paracetamol and hot drinks. I'm on rituximab and 10 mg of prednisone for GCA/TAK and don't want to take anything that will clash.

[PatriciaAnn]

Hi Bronte

I do so hate having a cold, it's so miserable. Hope it is better soon.

That is what I would do. Don't take NightNurse or Lemsip type things. If I have a cough I take Lemon, Honey & Glucose syrup - but ask the pharmacist first. If it gets worse or doesn't ease then see your GP.

PatriciaAnn

[vivdunstan Volunteer]

When I have a cold - and I've had some stinkers over recent months - I take paracetamol to ease the aches and pains, and to soothe my throat I drink blackcurrant herbal infusion. And I tuck up in bed with a hot water bottle, to feel comfortable, as much as possible. Also I like Vicks Vaporub rubbed on my chest/neck, to help decongest me and make breathing easier.

[Ayla Volunteer]

Just watch out that it doesn't go onto your chest, Bronte. All my colds do that now (they never did before I had to take vasculitis meds.) and then I have to take antibiotics. Important to get to the GP asap if you feel that is the way your cold is going. Meanwhile, I am a great advocate of honey and fresh lemon in hot water. Good idea to buy a plastic inhaler gadget, where you breathe in the vapours of olbas oil in hot water, if you think this would be useful. Got mine through Amazon, cheap but really effective!

Ayla

[BronteM]

Thank you for all the good advice...I usually reach for Lemsip first, so am now avoiding that! I'll also look a out for an inhaler - it looks more efficient than the jug and towel that I use.

[Coppernob]

Could just put some drops of olbas oil in a bowl, towel over your head and bowl. I've done that before now. Instead of forking out for an inhaler.

[Coppernob]

Oil dropped into steaming hot water I should have made clear. Duh. Brain fog.