Common Cold
 

Common Cold

so far this year I have had flu in January... and three common colds: I never used to get colds, wonder if taking extra vitamins works ? anyone know: its making me feel really run down and tired all the time:

Re: Common Cold
 

You need to boost your immune system
I take Echinacea - 8 weeks on then 2 weeks off
it is a herb which I find works better than VitC, but no harm in taking both
Your body will quickly expel any vitC that it doesn't need

Re: Common Cold
 

what about having the flu jab from your doctors once a year that helps prevent people getting the flu.

Re: Common Cold
 

I am waiting to have my flu jab. She won't give it to me because I am still suffering from an ear infection.

Re: Common Cold
 

A flu jab wont protect you from the common cold - different type of 'bug'

Re: Common Cold
 

Nothing is going to protect you from the common cold as there are 1,000's of different strains, (that's why you get one after the other) don't need any extra vitamins, herbal remedies either. As long as you eat a balanced diet, get all the nutrition/exercise your body needs, nothing else you can do to protect yourself to avoid a cold virus gettin up yer' nose. Avoid handling money passed to you, touching a door knob, shaking hands, etc., all places where you pick up colds, because people who already have one will get on their hands and place them on these objects that you, in turn, will touch. Difficult, isn't it.

Only take extra vitamins if your body is seriously short of them, due to a unbalanced diet, but can do more harm than good if you are just taking extra.

Also the flu jab can only protect you from certain strains of these viruses, so not foolproof.

Re: Common Cold
 

You won't get a flu jab unless you're over 65 or have a condition such as a chest complaint like asthma, a weak heart or lowered immunity due to cancer treatment.

Like as been said already, flu jabs don't work against the common cold.

Re: Common Cold
 

A doctor's surgery will order a certain amount of flu vaccines for his surgery for cases as Lilly has stated above .. and paid for them. The assessment of quantity is based on his patient's list with high risk patients, including diabetics and children (who need two by the way).

If, say, they order 700 and only 500 patients ask for it, they will have 200 to spare and will treat other patients who ask for it ... mainly on a financial basis, so at least they will break even on these extras.

Should they have a shortfall, there is no reason why 'anybody' cannot call into places like 'Superdrug' to obtain this injection for £15. approx.

If you are willing to pay for it, nowt you can't get. My 25 year old son was offered one at work through their BUPA scheme last week, only declined because he felt a little funny about mixing work with medical intrusions, and besides he thought may be the only time he could get off work due to the fact no holiday periods left (only joking of course).

They can only give certain flu virus immunity in September approx. due to the fact that they work on last year's virus and the potential of the one occuring this year.

By the way, impossible to get a reaction to a flu jab .. except a swollen mark, this is pure coincidence, and will have picked up something entirely different due to the time of year.

Re: Common Cold
 

I stick with my original post about echinacea, and it seems like some 'medics' recommend it
BBC NEWS | Health | Echinacea 'can prevent a cold'
As for 'there are no side effects from a flu jab'---- I disagree. I was asked to read and sign a consent form before I got mine, which listed possible side effects -- and I got some!

Re: Common Cold
 

Re: Common Cold
 

My Mum used to get the flu jab every year when she was alive, and she was always flat on her back for at least a week after (but she was ok after that)........she was prepared to go through the first bad bit to have the protection afterwards.

Re: Common Cold
 

Perhaps didn't quite make myself clear on this one .. you could get some sort of 'reaction' like shivers, temperature overnight .. like when your baby has their first injections. This is a good sign as body reacting and building up the necessary antibodies in the haemoglobin. Being flat on yer back for a week is not normal and probably psychosomatic.

Just that it is nothing to do with the flu virus becoming active in your body which people believe.

Re. vitamins/herbal remedies .. understand Margaret .. but nothing you cannot get from eating natural foods which contain Vitamin C, and if you feel not eating enough of these, then taking the tablets will not do you any harm.

Re: Common Cold
 

Try telling that to someone that is allergic to eggs :rolleyes::)

Re: Common Cold
 

Really, is there a connection then ?

Eggs .. gosh, do you come out in lumps and things or do more clucking than normal ... :D

Re: Common Cold
 

Yes the injection is kept in egg based liquids.... people that are allergic to egg cannot have the flu jab.

Re: Common Cold
 

I've not had a cold for four years.:)

I think smoking kills the germs.:D

Re: Common Cold
 

I've had the flu jab twice and got the flu twice!!! When i dont have the flu jab i dont get flu - so not having it again. By the way im one of those who is supposed to have it my doctor offers it me every year but no way am i having it again.

Re: Common Cold
 

Well to be perfectly honest, I think the flu jab is the best way to kill off our elderly :(

Every year the ones that have the flu jabs in nursing homes, end up with horrendous chest infections and pneumonia .
I have watched this happen for years.

I personally will NEVER have one!!

Re: Common Cold
 

I had mine on Tuesady, and have felt a little stiff ever since.

Re: Common Cold
 

Whats his name?? :D

Re: Common Cold
 

I had a flu jab 2 weeks ago with absolutely no ill effects but what I, as a lay person, don't understand is how the vaccine can protect you against all the different flu viruses. There are so many strains of flu, some of them mutating from earlier viruses, that I can't see how they can all be covered. If the vaccine only protects the lungs against viral infection of any sort, why is there a separate pneumonia vaccine?

Colds are a different matter. It annoys me when someone has a heavy, feverish cold and says they've got flu, when you have real flu you appreciate the difference.

Re: Common Cold
 

The World Health people decide which strain are most likely to be a threat
HPA | Seasonal Influenza | Vaccine
This winter we have a combo of 3

You were lucky Westender - I felt weary for a week and slept a lot.

Re: Common Cold
 

I was fine after last year's jab, but I was also sleepy and aching after this one.

Lasted three days, but now feel grand.

Re: Common Cold
 

ive had a cold now for 2 weeks and its only just going now, ive not had a cold or flu in 7yrs, and now i think their is a cold epidemic

Re: Common Cold
 

try lots of garlic

Re: Common Cold
 

I have heard, crushed up garlic in your shoes, is good for your chest if you have a chest infection.
After about 1 hour you can smell the garlic on your breath, as your body has absorbed it.

Re: Common Cold
 

Wouldn't it be easier and more pleasant just to eat the garlic? :(

Re: Common Cold
 

Or go to your GP instead of using you little big sister's witch potions :rolleyes::D

Re: Common Cold
 

But brush your teeth and use a mouthwash before you go. :D

Re: Common Cold
 

Geeeeeeeeez I only said I had heard......

I have also heard there is no oxygen on the moon, but I have never been :rolleyes::)

Re: Common Cold
 

It's ok stinky feet we believe you :p:D

Re: Common Cold
 

Shup you :p:D

Re: Common Cold
 

I agree with you Kathleen, lots of garlic works for me too.

Re: Common Cold
 

Yup, garlic was the first thing that came to my mind. I like to put a chopped up a clove into some chicken buillion along with some parsley and oregano.

Also, drink alot of water and make sure you get enough rest. Also agree with Margaret about echinacea. I also believe very highly in having the right types of vitamins and minerals. This is in addition to the many organic vegetables we consume. IMO, it can be hard to get enough of the needed vitamins in diet alone. IMO, the recommended daily allowance numbers are much too low for all the stuff we're exposed to in our foods, water, air, as well as stinky feet! LOL

Brian

Re: Common Cold
 

i might try garlic tomorrow, ive never heard of the garlic in your shoes, but i will have some with my dinner, might keep the other half away