Cold / Flu Remedies

[teabagfreak]

I have managed to dodge the cold/flu virus all winter and it's caught up with me...

Symptoms at the moment is sore throat (literally feel like I'm swallowing glass) and runny nose 😞 Hoping it doesn't get any worse.

I know all I can take is paracetamol- does anyone have any other remedies for sore throats/colds whilst pregnant?

I've tried gargling with salt water also 😞

Feeling sorry for myself!

A regular salt water gargle often helps me with a sore throat. As salty as you can handle it and gargle for as long as you can tolerate before spitting it out, several times a day. Staying hydrated is also good. And things like ginger/honey/lemon tea can make you feel a bit soothed, even if not necessarily scientifically proven. For me, paracatemol is quite an effective pain relief but you do need to take them according to the instructions, at regular intervals, not just as a one-off.

You obviously only have cold symptoms at the moment but you do mention flu in your title. Have you any reason to think it might be flu? Flu is wildly dangerous in pregnancy. If you develop flu, please contact your medical team quickly. Flu can be fatal in otherwise healthy pregnant women. It is for this reason that the flu vaccine is advised - maybe look into getting the vaccine once you get over the cold (assuming you don't have flu now).

Best wishes

Hi

Thanks for your response, I already have the flu jag so hope I will be fine...

My OH had flu like symptoms and for that reason I have been trying to stay away from him, sleeping in other room etc...

Sterimar salt water spray for your nose. Works an absolute treat for unblocking it, got some the other day and managed firt night of decent sleep for a week.

Unles OH is literally unable to get out of bed then he doesn’t have flu. Aches, shivers, pain behind eyes etc are all symptoms of an unpleasant cold.

Get the flu vaccine if you haven’t already.

I did find persisting with the salt water gargling the best thing - just recovered from a nasty cold so feel your pain!

Hot lemon and honey. I thought it was abit wanky but it really did make me feel better. It's very soothing on the throat.