winter blues

[Pantha44]

hello all.

know I don’t post much but this group has already helped me by getting referred and change of meds. However as the nhs is crippled. The appt I was due in May has moved 4 times now to Jan. Just had another CT in anticipation of upcoming appt. My question is as I work in a preschool, this time of year is so hard for me to stay well. When the little lovelies have colds, green snot, coughs etc Long story short I’m back with the after effects of a chest infection. Had said steroids: antibiotics 2/3!weeks later still having lingering allergies. Itchy eyes extreme tickly nose headache etc GP says it just takes time. I’m impatient. So much I want to do, at home, missing work (again! Every winter). I also take Vit C antihistamines plus my inhalers plus ventolin as needed. Please any tips gratefully received. Am seriously thinking of saying enough is enough with preschool which is A shame as remainder of year I bumble through

Sorry for long post. Hope you’re all doing well xx

[BreatheasyBe]

Hi Pantha interesting post I’m sure many of us relate to the seasonal effects on our bodies. If we had the cure we’d be very rich indeed. Tips .., wearing a scarf over our nose and mouth if going outdoors to warm the air a little before we breathe it in. I used to try echinacea tincture two weeks on two weeks off during the winter months. Others have tried morning hot water with ginger and honey. Rest plenty of rest, keep hydrated with hot Drink’s throughout the day- lemon tea, honey etc. scrupulous hand wash … everytime you touch a door knob (not always practical so maybe use a hankie) and try not to touch your face inbetween times. Carry hand sanitiser around with you. Even if all that is done these germs are often floating in the air and probably to some extent unavoidable but with the additional tips hopefully you’ll cut down how often you pick up an infection. Another factor to consider as I don’t know what your condition is but ask to be checked for colonisation of bacteria’s. They may lie dormant and only flare up when you’re more run down or in heated or air conditioned environments. I’m on long term nebulised antibiotics for a bug I’m colonised with. These nebules have made a big difference for the number of flare ups I receive. Make sure you take your medication regularly. Good luck with getting to the bottom of the poor health.

[Pantha44 in reply to BreatheasyBe]

thank you for your reply. I am long term asthmatic since childhood. On revlar/ spirva apologies if misspelt. I take steroids/antibiotics when have chest infection. Also antihistamines/eye drops for allergies. Do hand wash regularly/ sanitize. Thank you for your tips. Also trying to stay hydrated.

Thank you for your time and input 😊

[Patk1 in reply to Pantha44]

Which antihistamine ru on? Perhaps steroid nasal spray may help? Sudafed or unbranded,is a great decongestant x

[peege]

Hi, Boots used to do a Cold and Flu Defence nasal spray containing anti-viral. Vicks did too but I preferred the Boots one in the days I travelled a lot on the London tube for work. There's also a gel people use, Ergendl mentioned it in a reply a few days ago.

Vit C is great for boosting the immune system as is D3 - I take 20000iu daily and I'm sure it helps. You obviously love your job so it would be a shame to give it up. Good luck, P

[Pantha44 in reply to peege]

hey. Yes taking vit c but maybe not for long enough and vit D regularly. I definitely need to look at more nip it in the bud approach Always think I’m invincible when I’m obviously not. It’s just so frustrating to know I’ll be poorly for about 3 maybe 4 weeks every October-December Awaiting respiratory consultant follow up Appt moved from May to next Jan Fingers crossed 🤞. Thank you for you support and advice. 😊

[peege in reply to Pantha44]

Forgot to say, I also wear a Buff (see amazon, I always get kids size as I've a small head) to keep cold air from entering airways and when I don't I keep my mouth firmly shut to keep out cold air which always closes my airways. A Buff might be an idea for you.

[Pantha44 in reply to peege]

hey Thanks. I must get into the habit of wrapping my scarf around my face on the cold days for definite. Or I do sometimes just wear a cloth face mask Thanks again. All very useful 🙏

[O2Trees in reply to Pantha44]

The local specialist GP told me we should not be out at 6 degrees or below. House to car, fine, but not walking or standing around. Last year I was so excited at the snow I went out to have a look and ended up on first course of steroids for 3 years!

[Pantha44 in reply to O2Trees]

oh my goodness! Respiratory issues and cold are not a good combo as I’m sure most of us are aware. I’ve just ordered a ‘buff’ scarf thingie as recommended by a previous commenter. Thank you 🙏. Wish I could hibernate till the cold snap was over sometimes. Hopefully we can all stay warm and well. Thank you all for your tips and comments. Very much appreciated 😊

[peege in reply to Pantha44]

The Buff brand is treated so that moisture wicks away so you're not breathing that sogginess back in, they're very washable and dry fast. I only get the pure wool ones or bamboo (anything synthetic makes my hair stand on end)!

[Ergendl in reply to peege]

Nasalguard cold and flu block. Not cheap but lasts a long time and a lot better than getting an infection. Available in Boots or through Amazon amazon.co.uk/NasalGuard-Col...

If you can't afford that, even Vaseline will help, for those not on oxygen.

[peege in reply to Ergendl]

Thanks so much for that Ergendl 😀, I shall get some today as I'm off to stay with small grandchildren for a few days including their little concert in Ely Cathedral next week. P ××

[Ergendl in reply to peege]

Always challenging spending time with those wonderful little germ factories you love called grandchildren.

[Patk1]

Try to jump on infections asap.has yr dr considered prophylactic antibiotic thro autumn/winter? Ru on montelukast

[Pantha44]

hello. My usual GP is not very receptive. Basically told me it will take time to recover. So no but I do now make sure I have my emergency meds on stand by in the event of chest infection and replace if I’ve used them. My practice nurse who I see for some asthma checks is very good and supportive. Check my peak flow etc. Again thanks for your comments. All gratefully received and even though I’ve had asthma all my life, am still learning what works, what doesn’t etc. thank you 😊

[B0xermad]

Aww it's so difficult being around little ones with a respiratory condition it opens up a minefield of all sorts of bugs,I left a job in in special needs primary school for that very reason as I couldn't fight off the many infections I got on a regular basis. As for my appointment with my consultant I was so lucky to be able to see them at short notice this coming week due to 3 exacerbations in the last 2 months which resulted in 3 lots of antibiotics and prednisolone, so fingers crossed for you.

[GintyFerguson]

I'm sure you will know under 5s carry haemophilus influenzae and moraxella catarrhalis in their respiratory tracts which do them no harm but are our enemies .

[Izb1]

I dont think you can avoid these infections when dealing with small children, especially if you have asthma or other lung problems, its something that goes with the job I think more so as you get older. I avoid youngsters now as i cant afford to get poorly x

[Badbessie]

Vitamin D helps the immune system especially in the winter.

[Pantha44]

yes on the vitamin D since pandemic as got sone free previously 👍. Thanks 😊

[PW_R]

My friend is a teacher & she has reverted back to mask wearing for the winter months as she also has severe asthma. Otherwise respiratory infections seem unavoidable. All the hand washing in the world won’t protect you when there are 20 six year olds in your face!