Patty Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Ive been real sick with this cold.Stuffy nose,my eyes burn now I have an earache.Now my nose is sore from blowing.I tried just about everything and I still have this cold.I sometimes wake up with this nose stuffy and I want to get rid of it.What can I do for this cold? I got my flu shot for the season and shouldnt have this cold.I also have a vaporizer that I use to use but since I got a computer Ive been afraid that if I use it it will affect my computer. Patty Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 my husband found a really good over the counter cold medication that comes in a pill at our local Wal-Green's store, but you have to take about three doses before it kicks in (about 18-24 hours). It's good stuff though, it dries up the boogers. try keeping your head covered so that it stays warm. somehow this always helps me feel better. And eat foods high in vitamin C, that helps. Also, drink a lot of liquids -- I usally get really dehydrated, and oddly enough, the only thing that helps is good old Coca-Cola. I don't normally drink soda, but about half a can of that wonderfully fizzy, sodium-filled caffeinated drink helps a lot. you may also want to check in with your doctors office if it starts making your ears hurt -- you don't want it to develop into an infection of any kind, and they can tell you what signs to look for or what to take. Or, a pharmacist can recommend good, over the counter drugs to help. hope you get to feeling better, Patty-cakes! Link to post Share on other sites
Author Patty Posted November 24, 2003 Author Share Posted November 24, 2003 Thanks.If Im not seeing any improvement by tommorow,Im going to call the doctor to prescribe me an antibiotic.I dont want to take chances this week cause of Thanksgiving and the doctors wont be in.I'll see how I am tommorow.I'll try to look for that pill you were talking about cause we have a Walgreens here too. Patty Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Patty - Colds are caused by viruses. The flu is also caused by a virus. Antibiotics do not work against them. Antibiotics work against bacteria, which cause infections. An antibiotic won't help a cold. If you get another infection from the cold like bronchitis or like an ear or sinus infection, then you would get antibiotics to kill the bacteria but antibiotics are useless against viruses. Your best bet is to drink a LOT of fluids, eat really good food, and rest, rest, rest. Sleep whenever you're tired if you can. While you sleep, your body has a chance to fight the germs. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Patty Posted November 24, 2003 Author Share Posted November 24, 2003 Thanks.Ive been trying to get better with lots of liquids.I know what your saying,Im just afraid I'll devolop an infection when the doctors arent in.Im just afraid to take a chance.I woke up with the chills.But I will try lots of rest and fluids first. Patty Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 If you start feeling better and then after that you begin to feel worse again, for sure go to the doc because that can mean an infection. Same goes for if your ears start to ache. If you're the kind of person who gets infections every time she gets a cold, then you probably should see your doc because you might be a person who has trouble fighting off infections. Link to post Share on other sites
Arabess Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 I know how you feel Patty....I'll share a big "group sneeze" with you!!! LOL! (I'm going to take Moimeme's advice as well.) Link to post Share on other sites
Author Patty Posted November 24, 2003 Author Share Posted November 24, 2003 Thanks,everyone.I think I'm,going to call the doctor to make an appointment,the pain is getting worse and unbearable. I just hope my mother wont mind me calling the doctor.The last time I did,she got mad at me.I hot to do whats best for me. Patty Link to post Share on other sites
cindy0039 Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Flu shots are for the flu - they don't keep you from getting a cold. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Patty Posted November 25, 2003 Author Share Posted November 25, 2003 Just wanted to update.I went to the doctors today and good thing I didnt wait cause I had an ear infection.But I will be on antibiotics. Patty Link to post Share on other sites
imjustagirl Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 My doctor always prescribes me an antibiotic when I get the sniffles of any sort. People badger me about this all the time, but they don't realise that I had my spleen removed when i was little (organ that helps fight infections, viral or bacterial). The slightest cold has and could again, put me into the hospital after a few short days. The antibiotic is just enough to give my body the boost it needs to keep the other infections from getting in. Possibly the reason why I had mono last april. I had a cold, but didn't call it in, got really sick, ended up with mono. My thoughts of course... Feel betta! ~justa~ Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 Of course antibiotics are appropriate for certain things - an ear infection and someone who can't fight bacteria are perfect examples. But if you ONLY have a cold or even the flu, your immune system is not compromised, and there are no additional complications, you don't need antibiotics. Go read up on the bacteria that are becoming resistant to antibiotics due to mutations. Link to post Share on other sites
CaterpillarGirl Posted November 26, 2003 Share Posted November 26, 2003 I second that one, Moimeme. I never ask for antibiotics, unless they are truly, truly necessary. I can't stand all these people who "insist" that they need them, when all they are doing is helping to create more anti-virus-resistant bacteria! Link to post Share on other sites
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