Is paracetamol as good as it gets when ill?

[Wiggy29]

I had to be off work for about a month due to low blood pressure and I really don't want to be off again (I teach). That said, I've got the bug that's going round: bones feel cold and sore and throat feels like I've swallowed razor blades. You can tell from the daft hour that I'm posting that it's stopping me sleeping and I'm exhausted. It started Sunday but really kicked in last night. So far I've just had paracetamol and hot water with lemon and honey but is that all I can take? 27 weeks at the moment.

Pretty much yes, double check with your midwifery service tomorrow on the phone though in case there is something else, it was all I was ever told about for every pregnancy ailment!!

No decongestants I'm afraid

Boots do an own brand lemsip that is just paracetamol and lemon. Obviously you need to be very careful to stick to the correct dosage and not accidentally double up.

You can also get own brand strepsils that are ok although iirc normal ones aren't.

I found steaming my head with Vicks / olbas oil enormously soothing.

Honey and glycerin linctus for sore throats / coughs.

I confess I did have the odd (weak) hot toddy. On the grounds that a small shot of whisky would have an antiseptic effect.

Hope you feel better soon

Wiggy I'm up with just the same bug. Feel really rough, hope you feel better soon, I'm 18 weeks so I'm on the paracetamol which just isn't doing anything

Thank you. totally fed up. Just debating if it's even worth going back to bed or if I should just stay up now as get up at six anyway to walk dog etc before work.

That's what I'm debating me and dp start milking in an hour so think I might ride it out and stay up

Try adding slices of fresh ginger to your lemon & honey tea. Many homeopathic remedies are safe during pregnancy - consult a qualified homeopath for advice. Steam inhalers are great! Obviously drinking plenty of water is key. Eat little & often. Boost your vitamin C intake from the foods you're eating. Try to get as much sleep as possible (easier said than done). Avoid sugar if you can - it impairs the immune system.