To ask how to get rid of this cold, fast!

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I never get colds. Ever. Until now. And I'm on holiday.

My mums had a number of health conditions to contend with these past few months. Nearly lost her a few times. Finally she's well enough to enjoy life a bit more again so booked a last minute self catering holiday to south Wales for the 2 of us. Arrived yesterday and on the drive down, I started with a tickly throat and it's turned into full blown cold. I've not slept. I'm the only driver. Desperately want my mum to enjoy this holiday but right now I feel like absolute crap. Terrified mum will get this cold too which will affect her more than me.

I'm doing the usual paracetamol, soothers, drinking plenty of water.
Help me get rid of this cold!

Vitamin c. Eat onions and garlic.

Best way to avoid spreading it is to ensure that you always catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue which you then dispose of. Wash your hands a lot and if you aren’t near soap and water use lots of hand sanitizer and encourage your mum to do the same. She needs to be careful not to touch her face and particularly not her eyes, nose or mouth over the next few days. When driving, you could consider wearing a mask and keeping windows open.

You have the virus now so anything which makes you feel more comfortable won’t really help with infection control so the two things are quite separate. But for symptoms, I’d recommend soft tissues to avoid inflaming your skin, menthol rub to help you breathe more easily at night and if you need anything more heavy duty paracetamol for sore heads and throat lozenges to soothe cough and sore throat.

Get some local honey and some lemons and keep on with honey and lemon in boiling water at least twice a day. Natural, drug free and tasty.

If you can get to a chemists or a big Boots grab yourself two bottles of First Defence spray (or the boots own brand). One for you and one for your Mum.

I used to think it can’t possibly work until I came down with a hideous cold right before a huge event with a lot of very clinically vulnerable people so I went balls to the wall and bought some. It definitely shorted my cold significantly and I’ve used it ever since.

I was going to say what worked for me was a whole day in bed, only getting up for essentials - but that's not going to be feasible for you in your circumstances. All you can do now really is try the meds suggested and minimise the risk of your mum catching it as outlined. I do feel for you, what lousy timing!

If you can though I'd try to get some sleep while your mum does her own thing for a bit, you won't shake off a cold quicker if you're exhausted.

Olbas oil and Strepsils. Hot drinks and paracetamol.

Defo get the first defence spray, I also find a cold and flu tablet with Guaifenesin in helps.

Hope it clears and you enjoy your break 💗