Bad cold - any remedies that will work?

[Hulababy]

Hi all

I am sat here feel lousy today, which ahs gradually gotten worse since Friday. I have a cold and know there isn't much I can do about that my the past 3 days my head has hurt so much, especially when I move it - sinuses, I suspect.

I have tried

• Sudafed - but that simply had no other effect than giving me an even worse head ache (if possible)
• Hot steaming bath with Olbas Oil in room - helped termporarily but not very long term and won't help me tomorrow in the class room
• Ibuprofen - only painkillers I had in at time and had no effect on anything at all
• Paracetamol - takes headache away for about 1 hour
• Lemsip Max - relief lasts just over an hour as well

I just about coping with 21 month old DD today but have to admit she has been left to own devices playing most of day sp far, or we have watched Cbeebies, listen to music and done a bit of Playdoh. Nap time soon I hope.

Tomorrow I am back to work and dreading it. I have little patience when feeling so bad but will have 5 classes of pupils, aged 11-18 all day. I need something that will work quick to help me get through the day. I have to drive there and back on motorway too so can't make me feel any more tired, drowsy than I already feel.

Any help, please?!

I think zinc has been proven effective at shortening colds by 1-3 days (not much help, but better than nothing!). You could ask in a health food shop for the widely used dosages. Else, I don't think anybody has ever suggested you can easily O/D on zinc, so just go for it -- have an RDA tablet every 3-4 hours and see what happens. DH & I both believe it works.

Vheers Zebra. I will see if Dh can get me some on his way home from work. I am willing to try anythingas this head is so bad

Vitamin C - my solution for almost every medical problem! (Not a broken leg maybe). You can safely take up to 1g a day so if you get some 500mg tablets that's 2 a day. Boots' own are good. Drink lots of fresh orange juice too.

Re the Sudafed, there are other brands of sinus decongestants - I'm sure they have different ingredients, have you tried any others? When I get a bad cold it always goes straight to my sinuses (in a really disgusting fashion) and things like Sinutabs or Boots own (again) do help me.

Hope you feel a bit better by tomorrow anyway, Hulababy dear!

btw you know you shouldn't take lemsip max and paracetamol together?

I can see Boots from my window so may go down in a bit and see what else they have in. I already take Vit C. Never had it in my sinuses before and never knoew how much it'd hurt. It hurts my head, my eyes, my nose and my ears Also making me feel quite sick and dizzy when I move my head. Luckily computer is fine as I just stare straight ahead

Don't worry Jan - not mixing them at all, just alternating. Have the Lemsip when I feel I really need a decongestant as well.