I need to stop a cold from developing - help!

[MyCatHatesEverybody]

I've woken up this morning with a sore throat and feeling achey. Problem is I'm having an operation under general anaesthetic in a few days time and they won't be able to operate if I'm all bunged up.

Any tips on how to stop it from developing? I can't find anything useful from googling, it's all about easing symptoms once you're in full swing. Herbal remedies such as echinacea or garlic are a no-go as they can interfere with the anaesthetic.

Any advice much appreciated.

I don't think it's possible really sorry :(

Take First Defence nasal spray. If you take it within a few hours of the first symptoms it seems to keep them at bay. You can also (I've heard - not tried but people I know swear by it) rub Vicks vapour rub on your feet and for some reason this helps clear your breathing.

Berocca. It’s brilliant. I am certain it has seen off colds for me before, or made them very minor.

Vicks First Defence. Try it - it's worked for me some times and not for others.

If anyone had the answer to this, they would be billionaires!

Thanks. I thought first defence might be a marketing thing but I'll give it a go.

Berocca has worked for me in the past.

Vitamin c and zinc tablets also work if you catch it quick enough - you can get them in soluble form from most supermarkets