Second cold within 3 weeks - so fed up!

[giddywithglee]

I'm 9+5 and have just come down with a cold for the second time in the last three weeks.

I haven't told work I'm pregnant yet and feel bad as I'm taking my third sick day since Jan - I normally average about 1 a year so it's out of the ordinary for me, but I felt so rough this morning I couldn't face hauling myself in.

Does anyone have any advice on a) how to treat cold symptoms when you can't take any drugs, b) how to avoid catching everything that goes round when your immune system is so low and c)what to say at work when you feel like a slacker (and I'm sure my colleagues are commenting on my absenteeism today!)?

Could you go in at lunchtime?
Having time off for a cold doesn't look good
you can take paracetemol and drink lots if orange juice, are you taking a prenatal vitamin?

Thanks for your post, compo.

I'm really woozy and achy with a sore throat and a bit of a temperature, so I genuinely don't think I could sit at my desk this afternoon.

I'm taking a prenatal vitamin and eat loads of fruit and veg, so I don't understand why I'm suddenly coming down with loads of colds when I've never been susceptible in the past.

I've been told not to take paracetamol in the first trimester, but I might ring NHS direct and see what they say.

When I was pg had a few really bad colds. Here is about all you can do: 1) paracetamol; 2) Olbas are the only throat lozenge / decongestant that is ok to take as herbal not medical; 3) steam inhalations to help clear sinuses; 4) saline solution nasal spray to clear sinuses; 5) gargle with salt or soluble paracetamol for sore throat; 6) lots of (caffeine-free) warm fluids; 7) rest and sleep. Unfortunately, can't take any medication so that is really all you can do. Make sure you are taking prenatal vitamins (with vitamin C) to help keep your immune system going. Hope you feel better soon.