OT totally OT Cold flu recommendations!!

[I-missRichardTee]

I have not been sick in a few years. I am not very doctor friendly.. I avoid pain killers, antibiotics etc. 10 years ago I had a flu that scared me into antibiotics!

Pain killers I am saving for that day when I will really NEED them.. enough about me.

 

I am not sure if this is a cold or something more serious... only been 2 days.

not in my chest.

I have heard showers, mega C..

I would like us to share your wisdom on avoiding colds and worse, and also when you do succumb, what do you do?

Thanks

BTW I have to go to work through all of this !!

[The Real MC]

If it's a cold, get echinacea tea and honey. Drink 3x a day, especially hot.

 

If the cold isn't gone in two weeks, see a doctor. Some cold germs are so strong that only anitbiotics will kill them. I had one that bad this past spring.

[Brettymike]

Colloidal Silver! , been using it for 7 years , and had ZERO colds flue's, sore throats etc.

I make my own.

 

Brett

[opdigits]

I would like us to share your wisdom on avoiding colds

Frequent use of hand sanitizer.

 

[opdigits]

And avoid touching your eyes and nose with your fingers.

[LX88]

Oil of oregano from the heath food store.It is sold as a tincture.

 

If you feel a scratchy throat, take the dropper and put a few drops on the back of your tongue by your tonsils. It will burn a little but not bad.

 

It seems to burn out germs from what I can tell.

 

This has kept away so many colds from me that I can't tell you. You have to do it when you feel the first symptoms.

 

I am telling you, it works. Unless you happen to like getting sick.

[Moonglow]

Frequent use of hand sanitizer.

+1

 

Frequent washing of the hands works, as well.

 

And avoid touching your eyes and nose with your fingers.

+1

 

I've been religiously doing all of the above for the past few years and have had zero colds/flu, and I'm constantly in contact with the public. It takes some effort at first, but then it sort of becomes a routine part of your lifestyle.

[Jazzmammal]

Right up there with "where's my flying car?" is "Where's the cure for the common cold?"

 

It's been studied to death, nothing works except rest and time.

 

To those who talk about antibiotics, remember cold and flu's are what again? Viruses. Antibiotics do squat against viruses.

 

If you haven't caught a cold in a few years all that means is you haven't come into contact with a new cold virus. Once you've caught one strain you're forever immune to it but the problem is these things travel with people. It's well documented if you take your supposedly healthy, protected self to a brand new city you're going to catch every cold virus there is in that local area for the next several years because you're not immune to those, you're only immune to the local ones from where you used to live. Have you noticed that perhaps you caught a bunch of colds say 4 or 5 years ago but not lately? That's all it is. You've already caught the local ones so you're immune. Doesn't mean that Aunt Hatties favorite anti cold mixture has anything to do with it. There is no such thing as an antiviral concoction against cold viruses. There have been huge studies all over the world where they've taken young, very healthy people and simply put a small spray with some virus in a nostril. Bam, thats it they're sick. Doesn't matter what kind of weird stuff they've taken.

 

Flu viruses are different because they always show up in the Far East first and we have time to create vaccines against them but like last year the educated guesses were wrong so the vaccine was only partially effective.

 

If you start feeling worse than usual, see a doctor it could be something worse. My musical partner years ago was sick for a week and thought it was just a cold when he realized his cough just didn't seem right, it was much stronger and deeper than a normal cold so he went to the ER at about 10PM. He had pnumonia in both lungs and the doctor told him point blank, if he had not come in and went to sleep as usual, he probably would have died right there in his bed. Pnumonia is very serious and yes that is a bacterium so antibiotics will work.

 

Forget that crap about not wanting to see a doctor. If you really start feeling bad, see a doctor. Don't mess with it.

 

Bob

[David Emm]

I have had surprising luck fending off both colds and headaches with a heating pad. Consistent heat kills off more wigglies sooner and loosens tight muscles, especially those nasty cranial knots. I believe I have utterly avoided a few bouts of flu with heat applied early. Its a meaningful weapon when there is still no go-to drug that can kill a flu that's already sunk in. Even then, that'll keep you more comfortable while you fight it off n' heal. Go with Occam and start from the simplest point, only adding stages if it becomes severe. The fewer drugs, the better. Drink soup and Nyquil (not together) and turn off your cell phone until the room stops spinning when you sneeze. Trust me, I'm a veteran. I used to drink mescal, I know from sick.

[allan_evett]

The usual preventative stuff helps: frequent hand washing (I keep hand sanitizer in the car, and use the stuff constantly), keeping hands away the face as much as possible; solid sleep (well...); trying to eat well / supplements as needed.

 

Once sick though... If it's something intense, unusual, or quick onset, it's a good idea to seek medical attention. A good friend of ours contracted what seemed like the flu a couple of months back.. Turned out to be West Nile Virus, and went into full-blown encephalitis. He survived it, but faces months of outpatient rehab for the neourological fallout.

 

I take a solid, maintenance dose of Vitamin D and zinc daily - along with several other supplements, with the focus on reducing systemic inflammation, etc. The zinc and Vitamin D do help. I get fewer rhinoviruses, and the ones I get typically last only a few days.

[Seannn]

Chicken soup (seriously!) and vitamins C and D.

[I-missRichardTee]

This community at KCF is very very helpful. I spend more time here than I ought to... but I must say... you folks are very very very helpful.

I don't know where to begin.. so I will ask about last thing, Vitamin D. What dosage? I ask because a friend thinks the MDRequirement on Vita D is quite low. Of course take too much and it's poisonous...but he says it is important to take it, and more than the recommended dosage.

 

I did a birthday party for the top cat in the company that makes Emergen C. The guy was 90 years old ( 15 years ago ), had a 45 year old hot tamale wife, and had a handshake that was very strong. This man and his fellow chemists really believed in their product.. trust me. They advocated taking two packets in a small half glass of water, and drinking it right down. They mentioned Sylvester Stallone as being grateful for the Product for saving him and his health. I cannot recall the specifics, just something about Stallone being quite ill.. and taking 2000 mg's every hour.

This product has helped me avert infections that I felt coming on.. and the 2000 mg's more or less every hour, seemed to banish the attack. But not this time... I don't think I did it soon enough.

 

[ABECK]

Vitamin D, 3IU daily.

[WesG]

When I'm sick I take a 1.5g vitamic C and s multivitamin daily (double dose first day). Frequent hand sanitization and frequent throat rinse with mouthwash if I have a sore throat. And above all, sleep.

 

I am rarely sick, and when I am, I am usually better in 2 days. This year's cold was a bitch, I was down for 3.5 days. It was my first cold in several years, I caught it at the hospital.

[Jazz+]

Right up there with "where's my flying car?" is "Where's the cure for the common cold?"

 

It's been studied to death, nothing works except rest and time.

 

To those who talk about antibiotics, remember cold and flu's are what again? Viruses. Antibiotics do squat against viruses.

 

If you haven't caught a cold in a few years all that means is you haven't come into contact with a new cold virus. Once you've caught one strain you're forever immune to it but the problem is these things travel with people. It's well documented if you take your supposedly healthy, protected self to a brand new city you're going to catch every cold virus there is in that local area for the next several years because you're not immune to those, you're only immune to the local ones from where you used to live. Have you noticed that perhaps you caught a bunch of colds say 4 or 5 years ago but not lately? That's all it is. You've already caught the local ones so you're immune. Doesn't mean that Aunt Hatties favorite anti cold mixture has anything to do with it. There is no such thing as an antiviral concoction against cold viruses. There have been huge studies all over the world where they've taken young, very healthy people and simply put a small spray with some virus in a nostril. Bam, thats it they're sick. Doesn't matter what kind of weird stuff they've taken.

 

Flu viruses are different because they always show up in the Far East first and we have time to create vaccines against them but like last year the educated guesses were wrong so the vaccine was only partially effective.

 

If you start feeling worse than usual, see a doctor it could be something worse. My musical partner years ago was sick for a week and thought it was just a cold when he realized his cough just didn't seem right, it was much stronger and deeper than a normal cold so he went to the ER at about 10PM. He had pnumonia in both lungs and the doctor told him point blank, if he had not come in and went to sleep as usual, he probably would have died right there in his bed. Pnumonia is very serious and yes that is a bacterium so antibiotics will work.

 

Forget that crap about not wanting to see a doctor. If you really start feeling bad, see a doctor. Don't mess with it.

 

Bob

 

Best advice.

[The Real MC]

Colds are caused by germs which are spread by touching your mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose) when your digits come in contact with a surface touched by an infected person. They are also spread by being in close proximity with a sick person who doesn't cover their mouth when they sneeze, cough, etc. Colds can be treated with antibiotics. Rigorous washing of hands and application of hand sanitizer will help prevent spread of colds, as will minimal contact with metal surfaces. Simply handling a restaurant menu that had previously been handled by a sick person can spread the germs.

 

Flu is caused by a virus and CANNOT be treated with antibiotics. There's no treatment for the flu, you have to ride it out - eating healthy is the only relief. You can contract the flu simply by being in same room with an infected person, not just close proximity. The first two days of flu infection is the period when you spread it the worse. That's why health experts advise flu patients to stay home from work or crowded places. Flu viruses are airborne and hand sanitizers will not prevent the flu. The flu virus can attack the immune system in weak people like infants or elderly or people under immunosuppressant drugs like cortisteriods, and can cause more serious infections like pnuemonia. While it hasn't been proven, there is a suspicion that the flu causes autoimmune diseases (I developed Crohns shortly after a bad flu) as the strong correlation is there.

[johnchop]

Colds are caused by germs

 

Dude, read Jazzmammal's post. The "germs" responsible for the "common cold" are varieties of RhinoVIRUS.

 

Sorry, this just isn't correct, and it's a relatively dangerous line of thinking that's leading to more antibiotic consumption that does f**k all against what ails you and increases microbial resistance to antibiotics.

 

Now, that said, you can get opportunistic bacterial infections alongside a viral one, as evidenced above.

 

Bottom line: feel like crap for more than a few days with no improvement or scary symptoms (bloody mucus)? Doctor.

 

And yeah, I'm no doctor, but my real name is very similar to that of a prominent medical school in a Mid-Atlantic state, so I speak with some authority.

 

-J

[Synthoid]

This community at KCF is very very helpful. I spend more time here than I ought to... but I must say... you folks are very very very helpful.

 

+1

 

I'm also addicted to this forum. Best place to hang out online.

 

 

 

 

[stillearning]

.... If you haven't caught a cold in a few years all that means is you haven't come into contact with a new cold virus.

OR that you have an active, healthy immune system that's managed to stave off any new virus before it takes hold. It's quite true that hand washing / sanitizing and avoiding hand / face contact is great advice for avoiding viral infection, but just as important is maintaining a healthy immune system. Eat healthy foods, supplement with vitamins if you're deficient, stay active, get sufficient sleep, and avoid undue stress.

[I-missRichardTee]

Colds are caused by germs which are spread by touching your mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose) when your digits come in contact with a surface touched by an infected person. They are also spread by being in close proximity with a sick person who doesn't cover their mouth when they sneeze, cough, etc. Colds can be treated with antibiotics. Rigorous washing of hands and application of hand sanitizer will help prevent spread of colds, as will minimal contact with metal surfaces. Simply handling a restaurant menu that had previously been handled by a sick person can spread the germs.

 

Flu is caused by a virus and CANNOT be treated with antibiotics. There's no treatment for the flu, you have to ride it out - eating healthy is the only relief. You can contract the flu simply by being in same room with an infected person, not just close proximity. The first two days of flu infection is the period when you spread it the worse. That's why health experts advise flu patients to stay home from work or crowded places. Flu viruses are airborne and hand sanitizers will not prevent the flu. The flu virus can attack the immune system in weak people like infants or elderly or people under immunosuppressant drugs like cortisteriods, and can cause more serious infections like pnuemonia. While it hasn't been proven, there is a suspicion that the flu causes autoimmune diseases (I developed Crohns shortly after a bad flu) as the strong correlation is there.

 

Thank you... I am sorry to hear about Crohn's disease. Is it getting under control now?

 

RE: Flu cannot be treated.. I have seldom in this lifetime taken medicines of any kind.. the way I was brought up... but people in my tiny circle advised antibiotics. They appeared to work! I m, not educated enough, to say definitively what is the truth on this. but want to say what my experience appeared to be.. re taking an antibiotic after over a month with flu about 12 years ago and then about 10 years ago ( I am giving approximate times, in light of Jazzmammals thoughtful remarks: 'once you get a specific germ or bacteria you never get it again' ) - it seemed to "knock it out". Note, I said "SEEMS to" and "Appears to be"; I really have no idea about cause and effect with these flu's and colds.

[bluzeyone]

Just had a cold..played a harvest fest outide. Went into my chest..ribs and back started hurting..not good!..so yesterday went to docs for antibiotics..feeling better. Horrible year for it! Vitamins and juice &tea Tee.. hope you whip it soon ..

[I-missRichardTee]

Just had a cold..played a harvest fest outide. Went into my chest..ribs and back started hurting..not good!..so yesterday went to docs for antibiotics..feeling better. Horrible year for it! Vitamins and juice &tea Tee.. hope you whip it soon ..

 

I am on west coast - according to Jazzmammal ( Bob ) these viruses are locally based. So if I moved to Thailand or Chicago, I would be subject to a whole new batch of bugs!

You ( are you.. two or one btw ??) say it went into your chest and back. That is scary. How long from the first days invasion, when you felt you were officially bit by the bastard bug, did it take for said bug to enter chest and back? I ask because I am on day 3, and so far my chest SEEMS ok.

You also said antibiotics helped. This is in contradiction ( that's what makes this forum fun and educational ) to Jazzmammal's assertions about antibiotics not being effective against a flu.

[johnchop]

This is in contradiction ( that's what makes this forum fun and educational ) to Jazzmammal's assertions about antibiotics not being effective against a flu.

 

It's not. Antibiotics are not at all effective against a flu virus.

 

Antibiotics target bacteria, and you could get a secondary, opportunistic bacterial infection whilst getting flu/cold.

 

Antibiotics kill the bacteria which gives your immune system a better defense at shedding the virus.

 

AntiVIRAL therapies kill viruses, but those aren't exactly widely prescribed (more for things like HIV).

 

-John

[J. Dan]

There are 2 types of infections - viral and bacterial. The "common cold" and Influenza are viruses, and cannot be cured by antibiotics or anything else. You need to have a healthy immune system. All of these so-called remedies are really just geared towards making sure it's healthy. While some things may be common for most people, really it depends on YOU individually. What is your normal diet and lifestyle like? If you're already at peak health, supplements aren't going to do a lot. If you're Vitamin D deficient, then Vitamin D will help.

 

Now there are also Bacterial infections, and sometimes you can have both - i.e., a bacterial infection caused by a viral infection. The most common sign of a bacterial infection is coloration of the mucus. So if you're coughing up yellow or green mucus, you likely have a bacterial infection in your throat/chest that should be treated with antibiotics. If it's mostly clear, antibiotics won't do anything.

[I-missRichardTee]

I live in a world filled with contradictions.. I should have mentioned this. I meant nothing wrong with either side of the apparent contradiction.

If anyone cares to supplement my going to over wiki now, for more knowledge about distinctions between viral and bacterial bugs, that is welcome. Thanks

[I-missRichardTee]

Oh, can anyone explain a little more clearly for this sick individual ( that being Mr Tee ) the idea behind not touching eyes when sick? Or is it don't touch eyes to avoid being sick? if one is already sick, does touching eyes, make matters worse? If I appear especially clueless on disease prevention, that is because I AM! I was brought up in a mind over matter kind of upbringing.

[I-missRichardTee]

And avoid touching your eyes and nose with your fingers.

 

My Man. opdigits.. so interestingly, op DIGITS says don't put your digits in your face ha ha. But is this to avoid sickness, or to not worsen sickness?

And I touch my eyes a lot and for at least 2 years have not been sick ( at least physically ! ) .. it is very difficult for me to not touch above my neck area. I touch nose, eyes and ear often!!

[I-missRichardTee]

There are 2 types of infections - viral and bacterial. The "common cold" and Influenza are viruses, and cannot be cured by antibiotics or anything else. You need to have a healthy immune system. All of these so-called remedies are really just geared towards making sure it's healthy. While some things may be common for most people, really it depends on YOU individually. What is your normal diet and lifestyle like? If you're already at peak health, supplements aren't going to do a lot. If you're Vitamin D deficient, then Vitamin D will help.

 

Now there are also Bacterial infections, and sometimes you can have both - i.e., a bacterial infection caused by a viral infection. The most common sign of a bacterial infection is coloration of the mucus. So if you're coughing up yellow or green mucus, you likely have a bacterial infection in your throat/chest that should be treated with antibiotics. If it's mostly clear, antibiotics won't do anything.

 

I am learning here. I never knew about color of mucus, and am surprised that both flu and cold are NOT the grossly colored mucus I have seen in myself off and on throughout my life ( btw I am rarely sick ) . So may I ask you this "Just Scared to my Bones DAN", if neither flu nor cold are responsible for green or brown mucus, what in the world IS? What illness causes those ghastly colors for mucus?

[WesG]

Bacteria are little tiny self-contained organisms. Virii are little bits of cellular code which, when introduced to healthy cells, take over the machinery of the cells with a new program (that infects other cells).

 

Treating a virus with an antibiotic is about as effective as playing the piano with a guitar pick.

[I-missRichardTee]

Bacteria are little tiny self-contained organisms. Virii are little bits of cellular code which, when introduced to healthy cells, take over the machinery of the cells with a new program (that infects other cells).

 

Treating a virus with an antibiotic is about as effective as playing the piano with a guitar pick.

 

I know I am without any knowledge on this topic.. but owing to age, and slight bump in maturity since birth ( very slight 0_0 ) I don't mind "looking foolish" or dumb. And I assume SOMEONE here may not know these things about virus and bacterial distinctions, but might not wish to appear uncool. If these questions were purely for me, I would feel self indulgent on a keyboard forum. So I hope these queries serve more than just Tee!

 

Besides the much discussed AIDS virus, what ARE more common viruses that infect people? I am still wondering about brown and green and yellow colored mucus. I always assumed they were from a cold or flu!!