Cold

[random_grad]

What U.S. remedies work for you to fight a cold? In Canada I tried all the Advils of the world and finally found Cold fx, it has been with me for several years, truly a blessing, never thought down south there would be none of that. Getting myself a nice bottle of Cold fx next time I go home. But in the meantime, seriously, what works for you? Especially if you had to switch from Cold fx to whatever - I'd appreciate your input. I'm seeing my semester degenerate for a stupid reason. Still don't get it how I could have missed bringing some of these tablets with me.

Edited October 14, 2015 by random_grad

[TakeruK]

Trying to find equivalent medicines in the US is so frustrating! I didn't know the generic name for Gravol and the first time I tried to find it in a store, no one had any idea what I was looking for. Eventually, I learned that the equivalent is Draminine and was able to get it.

For colds though, I believe that Health Canada has shown that Cold FX does not have any scientific evidence to back up its claims. I have not really had much success with it myself in Canada (and I'm willing to try a lot of things!).

To fight off colds, my standard regimen is to take the maximum dosage of DayQuil Severe Cold & Flu or its generic equivalent during the day and Nyquil during the night. The medical ingredients I look for are acetaminophen (same as tylenol) for headaches/sore throat pain, dextromethorphan (for cough suppression), guaifenesin (expectorant/mucus clearing) and phenylephrine (decongestant). If you look at the active ingredients for most over-the-counter cold remedies, you'll find some combination of these four. NOTE: Be careful when taking Tylenol with other drugs also containing acetaminophen!

I find that this combination does wonders for helping me deal with the symptoms of the cold so that I can get on with my day. However, there isn't really a "cure" for the cold, there only exists drugs that help you manage symptoms so you can recover. So, don't forget to take care of your body too: get lots of rest (might just work a few hours from home doing readings or emails etc.), lots of fluids. With proper rest, I get over a cold in 2 or 3 days, and usually only miss 1 or 2 days of work.

In addition to the above, supplemental things I do to make myself feel better are Halls for sore throat and mucus clearing and trying extra to eat food that are good for me. I sometimes take Vitamin C supplements (Emergen-C) but I also do not think there are any evidence to show these types of products actually help either (but, like Cold FX, if it makes you/me feel better, then it doesn't hurt!)

[rising_star]

I use the generic of Advil Cold and Sinus, with a preference for the one containing pseudoephredrine. It requires going to the pharmacy counter but, at least for me, it's worth it.

[random_grad]

Thank you both! I'll try your suggestions.

With Cold FX it might be the placebo effect, but it might also be that it works for some people and not for others. So far it's done wonders (in combination with salt water as gargle and gatorade for staying hydrated) so I'm not ready to give it up so easily

Edited October 14, 2015 by random_grad

[TakeruK]

Thank you both! I'll try your suggestions.

With Cold FX it might be the placebo effect, but it might also be that it works for some people and not for others. So far it's done wonders (in combination with salt water as gargle and gatorade for staying hydrated) so I'm not ready to give it up so easily

Indeed, I think that if you find something helpful and it's not actually harming you, then you should certainly continue to do so! I do this with "Emergen-C" and also eating chicken soup or other comfort foods

[St Andrews Lynx]

* Take juice from 1 squeezed lemon.

* Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey

* Add hot water.

* Drink.

Trust me, that stuff works magic. Hope you feel better soon.

[random_grad]

* Take juice from 1 squeezed lemon.

* Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey

* Add hot water.

* Drink.

Trust me, that stuff works magic. Hope you feel better soon.

thank! yep, I usually add grated ginger too and chamomile if I have some. This works for my spouse; worked for me for a year, doesn't work no more

 

- this time the scare of getting into a long sickness mobilized my immune system

Edited October 19, 2015 by random_grad

[avflinsch]

Personally I find that a glass of warmed bourbon mixed with honey works wonders. It might not help with the cold, but it sure makes me feel better about it.

 

[random_grad]

or gluhwein))