Mumsnet users share their tips for managing colds and flu with Lemsip

[JustineBMumsnet]

This sponsored discussion is now closed.

Traditional cold and flu season may be behind us, but memories of how a cold and flu make you feel won’t be. Whether it’s a sore throat, blocked nose or a full blown fever, there’s a product out there designed to help with the symptoms. With that in mind Lemsip would like to hear about the ways you usually manage a cold or the flu, what type of products you use and what makes you choose them.

Here’s what Lemsip has to say: “we understand that every person and every cold is different and our aim is to help you treat your symptoms and yourself the best way possible. With this in mind Lemsip would like to learn more about why and when you reach for certain cold and flu products.”

What do you usually do when you start to feel unwell? What do you find helps the most? Are the solutions you like the ones that make you feel physically better, or those that keep your spirits up while you’re under the weather? What do you use to help keep the symptoms at bay so you can get some much needed rest overnight? Do you find natural remedies help? What would make you reach for a hot drink remedy?

Whatever your tips for managing colds and flu, share them with Lemsip below and you’ll be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

[Kaykay066]

I just put my feet up, lots of rest and fluids. I like the blackcurrant lemsip, little honey too think it’s nice to be pampered when you’re not well 🤧

[Grobagsforever]

Get colds about once every 2 years, never had flu. Children the same, no colds.

Lemsip reminds me of a dodgy ex.

[MrsFrTedCrilly]

Lemon honey and hot water and a brisk walk for the sniffles.
Flu means that you rest as when I had it I couldn’t get out of bed, then some pain relief and medication to reduce the raging temperature is in order along with plenty of fluids.

[AllAboutHallowsEve]

A warm bath followed by a lemsip and having plenty of rest really helps me. Colds are awful.

[sqirrelfriends]

Last time I was really ill with flu I couldn't even stand up to shower, yet felt really disgusting not being clean. A long bath (topped up regularly) was brilliant, I was clean, warm, comfortable and the steam helped my nose and chest.

Another favourite is having a "station" set up on the sofa. Lots of liquids, snacks, tissues, meds and the tv remote all in easy reach from under a duvet.

This was before kids, now I just barely cope while shuffling around like a zombie.

[Marsbardelight]

Plenty of fluids, vitamin C tablets, rest, don't mix too many medicines stick with a few trusties, of course lemsip to help soothe a throat give pain relief and help top up your fluid intake!

[Lozz22]

Whiskey and ginger wine, Warm milk with whiskey and honey
Or warm milk with turmeric powder. Really do not like milk especially warmed up, but for some reason if I have a cold or a chest infection it's the one drink I can tolerate. Usually have a hot lemon first thing and then one around dinner time. Nice hot steamy bath. I used to put Vicks vapour bubble bath inside mine but I don't know if you can still get it. Olbas oil on a tissue or hanky and placed inside pillow case. That stuff is also fabulous for migraines and last but not least plenty of sea air and rest. My biggest tip is don't mistake eucalyptus steaming oil that comes in a bottle, as cough mixture. Definitely cleared my chest out after all the throwing up I did afterwards 😂 think it also burnt the top layer of my lungs off at the same time

[Rigorousyetcalm]

Rest and lots of fluids

[stitchandbitch101]

Steam inhalations and hot lemon and honey water are definitely go tos for me but I think my number one rule would be to always keep drinking lots of water and getting as much rest as I can. Easier said than done these days but it's just so worth it when you recover faster!

[MakeTeaNotWar]

Paracetamol, tea, rest. Definitely don't try to go to work with flu!

[zeromango]

I use vapour bubble bath when I have a bad cold, it's wonderful!! Really clears out the sinuses and relaxes your muscles at the same time! I usually use a baby version from Asda.

Manuka honey with ginger and lemon is always a hit too!

[alwaysataldi]

I remember lemsips as a child, the white powder you unfolded from a silver wrapper whenever we were 'full of cold' as a child.
Now I'm a mum, I use the lemsip sachets at night time as a warming drink. and the capsules during the day - just to get me through.
There are many imposters on the market, but these are my go to remedy. I always have a packet in my 'medical cabinet' for when you feel that 'back of the nose' tingle.

[SoSpooky]

Our Lord and Saviour Olbas Oil has gotten us through many a cold and flu bug from my days of working in nurseries: an oil burner or diffuser is best but also a few drops on the underside of your pillow as you sleep is a life saver. As well as Lemsip first thing in the morning (preferably in bed whilst enjoying a got rub but we can't have everything)

[MerlinsBeard87]

A hot cup of honey and lemon. Sleep a bit propped up to help breathe.

[MerlinsBeard87]

A hot cup of honey and lemon. Sleep a bit propped up to help breathe.

[MonetManet]

Lemsip
Steam inhalation
Orange juice

[ohthegoodtimes]

Take an antihistamine before bed, it helps your nose so you can breath better.

[WowOoo]

Hot drinks - honey, lemon and ginger.
As much rest as possible.
I like to have chicken broth and will keep some frozen to have for when I feel under the weather.

[blackleggingsandatshirt]

What do you usually do when you start to feel unwell?

Take a high dose fizzy vitamin C drink, and try to have an early night with a lemsip.


What do you find helps the most?

A cold remedy which helps you sleep at night, and helps with the symptoms during the day.

Are the solutions you like the ones that make you feel physically better, or those that keep your spirits up while you’re under the weather?

A hot bath, some vapour rub on my chest, and some soup

What do you use to help keep the symptoms at bay so you can get some much needed rest overnight?

If I can, an early night, lemsip, and QUIET - and let my other half put the children to bed - rest is the best cure for me to let my body heal


Do you find natural remedies help? What would make you reach for a hot drink remedy?

[TinyMetalBirds]

Lemsips or equivalent do get me through colds, especially one before I go to bed, although I really don't like the blackcurrant flavours, just lemon for me.
Also a hot flannel on my face in bed eases congestion I find.

[NerrSnerr]

I have been pregnant and/ breastfeeding for years so honey and lemon is the best I can do with some paracetamol. Honey and lemon works though.

[TellMeItsNotTrue]

Plenty of rest and fluids, and paracetamol if required. Oh and definitely some comfort foods

[ILovesPeanuts]

I find rest and sweating it out is best. I'll wrap up in lots of layers and get under duvet and sweat. Lots of sleep too. Sometimes an early night at the first sign will see it off.

[gemima27]

a nice hot shower before bed and in a morning, clears the sinuses and makes you feel a bit better...even if you aren't!