A cold anybody?

I wish I could just disappear for a while and when I come back everything that needs to be done is done.

Yesterday I did not go work because I was feeling too ill. Have a wheezing in my chest and general cold" symptoms. Doctor gave me an injection that is still sore despite the local anaesthetic.
I have not caught up with my work from last few months of illness.........arrggghhhhh.

Well I got 4 swap packages yesterday - at least that was a mini-break.

Will post pictures and thoughts on that later.

COLD FACTS

"Modern medical science can cure the common cold in seven days. Left untreated, it may last as long as a week.....There may be as many cold remedies as there are cold viruses, but nothing seems to work really well. The old saying above is "more truth than poetry." COLDS

Healing Daily

"Colds are more easily transmitted through contact with the nose and eyes more frequently than through the mouth.

People seem very concerned with kissing someone or sharing drinks with someone who has a cold, but they don't really think shaking hands with someone who has a cold is important, and in fact that is very important.

The most common means of infection is not from sneezing or coughing, or walking barefoot in the rain, but from hand-to-hand contact. That is why washing your hands frequently when you have a cold is so important. If you are physically exhausted or overtired, also, the chances of you becoming a victim of the cold virus increase.

Children under 2 years of age generally get 10 to 12 colds per year, especially if they are in daycare. Older children and young adults get about 6 colds per year. After the age of 30, the number starts to decrease to about 3 colds per year on the average.

Natural treatments for the common cold

- As long as your temperature remains below 102 F there is no need to lower it. Cold viruses do not reproduce at higher body temperatures and so this is your body's way of defending itself. A slight fever should help you get rid of the virus faster and feel better much sooner.

- A study showed that people who take aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) suppress their body's ability to produce antibodies to destroy the cold virus (2). You should only use these drugs if you have a temperature higher than 105 F, severe muscle aches or weakness.

- Rest. Get all the rest your body needs to help fight off the cold. Also, if you exercise regularly, you don't need to stop. You should however definitely cut back on the intensity until you feel better.

- Wash your hands frequently and try to keep them away from your eyes and nose. Use disposable tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs. If you are caring for a child who has a cold, wash your hands every time you have to wipe their nose. This will protect you from being infected. Try to use a mild soap which does not contain harmful chemicals. My favorite place on the internet for health-conscious soaps and hygiene products is here. Antibacterial soap won't help here as cold viruses don't respond to antibacterial products.

- Drink plenty of fluids. Water is best. Try to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses per day. This will ease the stuffiness and help the secretions loosen.

- Eating refined sugar weakens your immune system and promotes yeast overgrowth. This includes all non-diet soda pops which contain 8 teaspoons of sugar per can. Diet sodas are even worse for you as they contain the poison Aspartame.

- Researchers have shown zinc lozenges reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms, particularly a sore throat. Researchers believe the zinc is directly toxic to the cold virus and stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies to destroy the virus.

- When using zinc lozenges, it is important to remember that they need to be sucked on, NOT swallowed, and having smaller doses more frequently seems to work better. I would suggest taking 1/4 (one quarter) tablet every half-hour (you can cut it with a sharp razor blade). If the zinc makes you nauseous then stop taking it as this is a sign of zinc toxicity. This works nearly 50% of the time. The best price I know of on the internet for zinc lozenges is here.

- Extra vitamin C is also helpful with cold symptoms. You can take 500-2,000 mg every 1 to 2 hours.

- Garlic is an excellent natural antibiotic. You might use 6 capsules 4 times a day for several days, or eat a few fresh gloves if you - and those around you - don't mind the odor. Echinacea is the most widely used herbal medication in Europe for colds and infections.

- Essential fatty acids like flaxseed oil should also be taken regularly. This will help your immune system build the proper antibodies."