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Original poster

First Defense Spray

22 replies

soreandsad · 02/01/2025 20:35

My boyfriend has the flu. Full body aches and congestion etc. really poorly.

I have a dreadful immune system, and remembered I'd picked up a bottle of First Defense Spray.

I used it about 2 hours ago. I only did 2 small lumps in each nostril. It initially burnt a bit and made my nose run and settled. Within the last 30 minutes I've developed a really sore throat and awful cough. It feels like my throat and esophagus are raw and burning, right into my lungs.

I read through some reviews for the spray online and can't believe how poorly it's made some people! It seems it either works wonders, or causes all kinds of issues. Of course I could just be coming down with the lurgy..

Anyone had any experience of it?

OP posts:
Letstheriveranswer · 02/01/2025 20:41

I have used it for years. It's not a pleasant 'taste' but it works. One time when I used it I did have what you are describing, I subsequently got pretty ill with the virus. I think my nose and throat were already sensitised through the virus or something so the spray burned more?

But usually it's just unpleasant but fine, and it works.

I'd probably persevere, it will stop the virus relocating so easily so you won't get as ill.

JoyeuxNarwhal · 02/01/2025 22:13

Possible that you were already incubating dh's bug before you used the spray.

NannyR · 02/01/2025 22:18

It's only supposed to stop common colds, it wouldn't do anything if you were already infected with influenza virus.

Lovemybunnies · 02/01/2025 22:28

I can’t use it as I find it much too painful and it’s have a high pain threshold.

Lovemybunnies · 02/01/2025 22:29

Sorry I have a high pain threshold!

Original poster
soreandsad · 02/01/2025 22:38

Letstheriveranswer · 02/01/2025 20:41

I have used it for years. It's not a pleasant 'taste' but it works. One time when I used it I did have what you are describing, I subsequently got pretty ill with the virus. I think my nose and throat were already sensitised through the virus or something so the spray burned more?

But usually it's just unpleasant but fine, and it works.

I'd probably persevere, it will stop the virus relocating so easily so you won't get as ill.

It really still burning down my throat, but don't feel poorly at all - so pretty sure it's just the spray.

A bit worried about trying it again, so going to rely on lots of handwashing and good luck!

OP posts:
Original poster
soreandsad · 02/01/2025 22:40

Lovemybunnies · 02/01/2025 22:28

I can’t use it as I find it much too painful and it’s have a high pain threshold.

Where did it hurt? I feel like I've drank a really hot drink and it's burned the back of my throat (and into my chest/lungs?). It's so odd

OP posts:
Lovemybunnies · 02/01/2025 22:48

It was incredibly painful inside my nose and the back of my throat. I think if you are already coming down with something it would feel worse though.

oharibo · 02/01/2025 23:06

NannyR · 02/01/2025 22:18

It's only supposed to stop common colds, it wouldn't do anything if you were already infected with influenza virus.

That's not true. If used correctly it can stop any virus.

OP If you live with your bf you probably have a fairly high viral load and are quite likely to be infected anyway which could be why you have a burning throat.

It could also be a side effect hopefully it's that and you avoid the flu

TheCheeseTax · 02/01/2025 23:25

I took this last week on the advisement of my husband who adores this stuff. We then went skiing for the day and I tackled a tricky slalom course (my first) with a streaming bloody nose, trying to stifle the blood, manage the track and my daughter (whose first time it was too) and not bleed all over my friend's ski jacket I had borrowed!
Same thing happened to my teenage son.
As I said, husband loves it. Swears by it.

Original poster
soreandsad · 03/01/2025 00:40

TheCheeseTax · 02/01/2025 23:25

I took this last week on the advisement of my husband who adores this stuff. We then went skiing for the day and I tackled a tricky slalom course (my first) with a streaming bloody nose, trying to stifle the blood, manage the track and my daughter (whose first time it was too) and not bleed all over my friend's ski jacket I had borrowed!
Same thing happened to my teenage son.
As I said, husband loves it. Swears by it.

Crikey, TCT, that sounds stressful!! Seems to affect people so differently. By the reviews, it can cause a lot of bad head pain - however, I have a feelings it's related to how it's administered.

I think I 'shot' the pump too far back and into the back of my throat, swallowing some (as opposed to keeping it inside the nose?) and allowing it to drip down my throat.

My throat and windpipe so sore tonight. Every time I cough it's just raw and tight. I thought it was into my stomach, but I coughed up an awful chemical taste, so presume it's that.

I'm still not poorly at all, so convinced it's the spray. Never again!

OP posts:
Twinglane · 03/01/2025 00:47

soreandsad · 03/01/2025 00:40

Crikey, TCT, that sounds stressful!! Seems to affect people so differently. By the reviews, it can cause a lot of bad head pain - however, I have a feelings it's related to how it's administered.

I think I 'shot' the pump too far back and into the back of my throat, swallowing some (as opposed to keeping it inside the nose?) and allowing it to drip down my throat.

My throat and windpipe so sore tonight. Every time I cough it's just raw and tight. I thought it was into my stomach, but I coughed up an awful chemical taste, so presume it's that.

I'm still not poorly at all, so convinced it's the spray. Never again!

Show quote history

OP, get yourself some Coldzyme. Amazon or Boots, only thing that actually works.

VegTrug · 03/01/2025 01:01

I’ve been using it since 2006! It works wonders. It will hurt though if you’re sniffing whilst you’re spraying it though as it specifically tells you not to do this!

Tomatina · 03/01/2025 05:40

We've been using it religiously before going into crowded places this autumn and winter, and last winter. No colds or flu at all (though vaccinated as well). I get a slight sore throat feeling after using it, but nothing worse than that. You're supposed to just spray it up your nose, but don't inhale or sniff too forcefully.

Godfreydahling · 03/01/2025 07:03

Is this the Vicks one or Boots? Vicks put their horrible menthol thing into theirs which I find painful. Boots own brand is much better and has no sting/scent. I swear by it and in a house of 8 people will flu I was the only one who didn't catch it! I sprayed it about 10 times a day so more than recommended. But I have no natural nasal mucus so need to use something artificial anyway.

Criticallythinking · 03/01/2025 07:09

I agree with @Godfreydahling the boots version is brilliant and doesn’t hurt. The Vicks one gives me an awful headache. The boots version is called dual defence. No smell to it and no menthol.

Bloops · 03/01/2025 09:59

It gives me a sore throat for a couple hours but I swear the stuff works. I haven't caught anyone's cold for years.

Christmasisthebest · 03/01/2025 10:22

This stuff is a miracle for me. Haven't had a cold since using it, for about 4 years now. It can sting but I'd rather that than a cold!

MichaelandKirk · 03/01/2025 10:28

Wel worth a try but you need to take at the merest hint of a cold.

KhakiDuck · 03/01/2025 17:52

I use the Boots own brand spray, it doesn't hurt.

TheCheeseTax · 03/01/2025 22:17

I think you're right, OP, I'm probably taking it badly (a bit like blow, sticking it right up there - so I've been told...).

I'll try the Boots one in the safety of my own home and not a diamond black slalom course in borrowed clothes with my child 😂

Get well soon all x

Original poster
soreandsad · 04/01/2025 00:48

TheCheeseTax · 03/01/2025 22:17

I think you're right, OP, I'm probably taking it badly (a bit like blow, sticking it right up there - so I've been told...).

I'll try the Boots one in the safety of my own home and not a diamond black slalom course in borrowed clothes with my child 😂

Get well soon all x

The spray didn't work for me, as I came down with the bug today - so potentially a sore throat due to that rather than the spray (though I'm sure it didn't help.

Will need to stock up on the Boots one, as all of these positive comments have given me hope!

Thanks all

OP posts:
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