Things to remember are: Viruses can make you feel TERRIBLE and can last 2-3 weeks. They cause nearly all sinus infections, bronchitis/pharyngitis and the plain old "head cold." Lingering symptoms may hang on for as much as a month and a cough for up to two months. Times to get seen are when you get better and then get worse again after that, or if you have real fevers, meaning a measured temperature of 101 or higher.
General principles --
- Nobody has been able to prove that you can shorten a course of a cold by taking zicam or huge amounts of vitamin c, but lots of people swear by them (and I suspect they work for some people.) I personally like an herbal blend from whole foods called "deep health". I take three gelcaps at a time, 3 or 4 times a day when I start to feel it coming on. (Again, no research to support this - full disclosure.)
- The viruses that cause colds and URIs are not curable, but they are treatable, meaning symptomatic over-the-counter medications can make a big difference in how you feel while you wait it out.
I recommend:
1 -Combination "cold and flu remedies"- Makes no difference whether you get the powder/drinkable ones or the pills, but you may want both "day" and "night" types if the drugs making you groggy is a problem. (If you are going to be home in bed anyway, just take the nighttime blend because it's stronger.) I've been buying the generic of the Alkaseltzer-plus type, and the Kirkland-brand at Costco. Usually these will have three or four of the following ingredients:
· Tylenol(acetaminophen) - for pain and headache
· Dextramethorphan - a cough suppressant
· pseudoephedrine - a decongestant
· antihistamine (type varies between brands and between day and night formulas) - dries up a runny nose, decreases inflammation in your mouth/throat/nose
· Mucinex (guaifenisen) -- another mucus thinner. If this isn't included in your combo medication, go ahead add it on as an extra (I'd say take it twice a day.)
Combo meds are awesome and effective -- your mainstay for serious viruses and flu-like symptoms. While you are sick, take these around-the-clock. Usually the instructions say to you can take them every 4 or 6 hours, and I'd just stick with that. (*important note -- this will probably max out your daily allowable Tylenol, so don't take anything else with tylenol in it.)
2 -Sinus Washes - morning only and once a day. (If you've never used one before, start with NeilMed Sinus Rinse. It's available at every drug store and is super easy to use.) When you are sick, up the amount of salt to 1.5-2 times as much as usual. If you are having that really socked-in sinus congestion, try adding a tablespoon of "Alkalol" to the water. This is a mucus thinner that's mostly eucalyptus and menthol - very strong. Available from the pharmacist (just ask for it - no prescription needed.) Start with a small amount to make sure you don't overdo - it's intense stuff.
3 -Afrin -- the nasal spray; generic is fine. Afrin is a miraculous nasal congestion eraser and can help you lie down to sleep or get through a day. It's a real game-changer, but there is a big hitch -- you can't take it for more than 3 days, no matter what. So -- you get three days of clear nose passages during any given cold, but that's it. Pick your days carefully.
4 -Misc Tips: Coughing begets coughing. There isn't any actual benefit to "cough it up" unless you are choking on a hot dog, and the more we cough, the more we traumatize our bronchi. Many times it's not avoidable, but it's ok to stifle a cough if you can and definitely don't cough more than you need to. Cough drops, teas with honey, humidifiers or steam, lots of old-timey remedies really can make you feel better and help with cough.