Anyone else dealing with cold after cold?

[andtckrtoo]

I normally manage to avoid most colds. I get maybe one a year, and it's usually not too bad. But this year, I'm fighting my 3rd cold. (I've been living on echinacea, zinc and Vitamin C). DH is sick as well, and everyone around me has had 3 or more colds and it's only January! Any suggestions?

[indysteel]

Knock on wood, I haven't had a cold since October of 2006.

Not to ask the obvious, but is there anything affecting your immunity? Stress? Lack of sleep? Do yo have any underlying issues with allegies, sinus problems?

I hope you feel better and stay better soon!

[Tokie]

Me too...although this is only #2 for me, I've been off my bike the better part of 2.5 weeks. The cold in early November wiped me out too. I usually just have cold symptoms and continue on with my life. I know it would help if I got more sleep (to avoid getting sick), but it just seems like quite a virulent bunch of colds going around. I've been off work for 3 days and my boss says lots of people are also sick now at work. Yuck. I haven't had colds for the past 2 years. Almost over this one though - now where did I hide my energy? It's not good when the 12 hour sudafed wears off! Tokie

[Aquila]

If you're in a really cold area with dry air, maybe getting a humidifier for your bedroom would help? It helps me a lot.

[jobob]

I'm only on cold #1. please let it be the only one ...

[Fujichants]

If you're in a really cold area with dry air, maybe getting a humidifier for your bedroom would help? It helps me a lot.

I actually think my humidifier brought on my cold. Even though I clean that thing religiously. Funny enough, last night I couldn't stop coughing. The minute I turn off the humidfier, the coughing stops and I was finally able to sleep.

I haven't had a cold in years, and now i've had one for 2 weeks and no signs of it letting up either! :mad:

[OakLeaf]

Even if the humidifier itself is clean, any time the humidity gets above about 60%, molds have the opportunity to grow on everything else (furniture, bedding, walls, curtains, carpet, etc.). If you're dealing with allergies on top of a cold, it can make the cold last longer (because your immune system is compromised), and also make it seem like it's lasting longer because there's so much overlap of the symptoms.

Personally I have to be careful with echinacea, because it just pumps up my immune system indiscriminately and makes my allergies worse. Maybe try ashwagandha.

But if it's not just you - if everyone around you has had multiple colds - it sounds like maybe there are just that many different viruses going around your area, just bad luck. :( :(

Hope everyone feels better soon.

[Grog]

Sleep more?

[badger]

Ever since I started taking New Chapter's Every Woman One A Day Multivitamin 2 years ago, I have had 2 "mini" colds. I also take Andrographis (herb) to boost my immune system when I'm feeling run down.

Also interestingly, since taking New Chapter, I haven't had a cold sore *knock on wood*

[ny biker]

A few years back I had problems with serial colds. I think it was a side effect of some medication I had recently started taking (Advair).

But I also realized that my diet was probably low in iron and zinc, which might have been affecting my immune system, so I started taking a multivitamin every day. I can't swallow giant pills so I take Centrum chewables. Since then I have only gotten one or two colds per year.

I also used to try to keep up my exercise routine while I was sick, but now I take a few days off as soon as I start to feel sick and I take it easy until I'm feeling better. It's hard getting back into the swing of things afterwards but I definitely get over the cold faster.

[Smilie]

Have you changed your toothbrushes? Bleached door knobs, fridge, oven, microwave handles? Make sure everyone washes hands and sneeze into their elbows? I'm a germ killing freak:D A few drops of bleach in a squirt bottle, and you are an armed and germ killing machine.

[five one]

I think I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on the worst cold I've had in recent memory. Even the remnants of asthma are slowly getting better.

I was in the break room today talking to a coworker who started complaining of not feeling well and was planning to go home. Man, I hope I didn't breathe in any of her germs. I refuse to get sick again (stamps foot). I wanna ride my bike! I hope I remember how :rolleyes:. The weekend is supposed to be sunny and in the 60's - perfect riding weather. I hope I have enough energy by then.

Being sick is the worst. Hope everyone gets over their assorted crud and stays well.

[andtckrtoo]

I think I'm just an unlucky spot. :( Oh well. I do make sure I eat well and get sleep, but, I'm still getting sick. It's not allergies, unfortunately. Those I can handle and feel very different. But thank you everyone for your responses.

FiveOne - I'm with you - I just want to get out on my bike this weekend. It's supposed to be SOOO nice!!!!

[emily_in_nc]

My cold-prevention system is simple: Wash hands often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if I can't wash. I have a small bottle in my purse and a huge one in my car, which I use after pumping gas, going into any stores, on my way home from work...) Okay, so I may sound like a germaphobe :D, but it's well worth being a little neurotic to me. I am around sick people all the time at work (why oh why won't folks take a day or two off when they are actively ill?!) and have managed not to get a cold of any sort in ~2 years (only "sick" day I took in 2008 was for dental work, and in 2007 my one sick day was due to a bad reaction to my flu shot).

For me too, I think the fact that I am almost never around kids helps. Co-workers who are parents of young children seem to get a cold every couple of months.

Good luck -- being sick is no fun indeed (I think I remember that, anyway!) :o

[andtckrtoo]

A few years back I had problems with serial colds. I think it was a side effect of some medication I had recently started taking (Advair).

But I also realized that my diet was probably low in iron and zinc, which might have been affecting my immune system, so I started taking a multivitamin every day. I can't swallow giant pills so I take Centrum chewables. Since then I have only gotten one or two colds per year.

I also used to try to keep up my exercise routine while I was sick, but now I take a few days off as soon as I start to feel sick and I take it easy until I'm feeling better. It's hard getting back into the swing of things afterwards but I definitely get over the cold faster.

That's interesting - I started a nutrition program that graded based on nutrition, so I stopped taking my multivitamin. I have recently added it back. I have been taking a multivitamin for years, but I had been reading that they are not as effective as eating foods with those vitamins. I wonder if that had something to do with it. I know I seem to be fighting this cold more effectively, which would be after I added them back.

Emily - oh I wash my hands frequently, too. I hate dirty or dirty feeling hands, and as I'm at a computer all day, my hands always feel dirty. I have not had a real cold in about 10 years. I think that's why this season has amazed me. It cannot be as simple as a vitamin pill, can it? Well, that with a sound nutritional program and plenty of sleep?

[msincredible]

Any chance they are not colds and are instead either allergies or sinus infections?

[emily_in_nc]

Emily - oh I wash my hands frequently, too. I hate dirty or dirty feeling hands, and as I'm at a computer all day, my hands always feel dirty. I have not had a real cold in about 10 years. I think that's why this season has amazed me. It cannot be as simple as a vitamin pill, can it? Well, that with a sound nutritional program and plenty of sleep?

Hard to say -- I must admit I don't take vitamins nearly as often as I should, but I do eat healthy (very few meals out), exercise regularly, and try to get enough sleep. I lead a boring life, no late nights out, etc...it all helps. I used to get a lot more colds when I was younger and wilder. It is really hard to say in your case. I sure hope this is your last cold! :confused: :(

[PamNY]

A friend of mine had several illnesses in a short time -- he was really worried, and the doctor diagnosed "rotten luck." Seems like a good diagnosis, as this was years ago and my friend is healthy. Maybe it's just chance?

Hand washing is my favorite preventive. I do think stress or worry wreaks havoc on the immune system; my mother went through a two-year terminal illness and I got cold after cold plus upset stomachs.

Hope you are healthy soon!

Pam

[channlluv]

I've been drinking four cups of green tea every morning - I make it all at once in a Pyrex measuring cup and pour it into a water bottle and drink it through lunch. I haven't been sick since August, knock noggin, and that was when I was traveling cross-country.

I work every morning at an elementary school, too. I use antibacterial lotion every now and then, maybe once a week if someone who is obviously sick touches me, but most of the time I just rely on handwashing and green tea.

Oh, and I'm eating an apple every other day or so at snack, too, with my daughter - easy to transport and she likes them.

I think it's the antioxidants in the green tea, though, that are boosting my immune system.

Roxy

[RoadRaven]

This thread has just reminded me of a cold I had at the end of our last winter - people had named it the 100day cold/flu.

I got sick for about a week, started to get over it, then got sick again. The third time I got sick my work mates sent me to the doctor, convinced I was getting pneumonia or pluerisy. The doctor said she had lots of people coming in - same thing happening - they thought their immunity was low and they were getting lots of different bugs, when in fact it was the same one reinventing itself over and again!

I did as much work as possible from home, took suppressant drugs when I had to teach (so I didn't splutter over everyone), lost my voice for nearly 4 weeks in the middle of it and took 6-7 days sick leave.

Nasty nasty - hope this isn't what you are having in your winter

[andtckrtoo]

Thanks all! I just wanted to let y'all know that I did manage to avoid this one - the zinc, good food, vitamins, etc helped. I ended up going for a nice ride yesterday and it felt great!

[OakLeaf]

And then there's simple sleep (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090113/ap_on_he_me/med_colds_sleep_4)... according to the story (and I'm a firm believer), not just when you're sick, but all the time.

[emily_in_nc]

And then there's simple sleep (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090113/ap_on_he_me/med_colds_sleep_4)... according to the story (and I'm a firm believer), not just when you're sick, but all the time.

Yep, I came back here to post this article (but you beat me to it!) as my DH sent it to me last night. I am a HUGE believer in the power of restorative sleep. I do tend to get a fair amount of it compared to a lot of folks I work with. Generally 7 to 7.5 hours on work nights and 8 to 8.5 on weekends and as I mentioned above, almost never get a cold. Used to get a lot more when I was younger and went out a lot in the evenings. Something to consider for those who are getting more colds than they used to.

[jodz1984]

I am too fighting my 2nd cold/flu, the first one i got when i raced track cycling at the velodrome 100kms away and it was right next to a mountain that they were having troubles controlling a bush fire on, and had been for weeks and all the smoke had settled into the velodrome, i was unable to breathe between races and don't suffer from asthma or anything. then that lasted 5 weeks before i got over it, and then just got back into training for 2 weeks and then got sick again and this has been about 2 weeks but no where near as bad. the funny thing is the guys don't understand how i am riding so well being sick, coz i am still beating them, must frustrate them. but i have had a few days off bike again and hopefully i'll be all good.

[Trek420]

Glad to see I'm not the only one. I've had a cold for over 2 weeks. It feels like different colds: sore throat, no it's congestion no .... it's sinuses no .... it's a cough no .... back to the sore throat. The best part was losing my voice for about 3 days, I'm a customer service rep, my voice is my life. :o

Sleeping is working.
Steam is helping.
Chicken soup is helping.

Worst part is I was increasing my training, longer faster harder walks and then BOOM, this. :mad: I feel so weak like I've lost it all. :o I know that's not true but discouraging.

[malkin]

On the bright side...just think of how tough your immune system is getting!

[Trek420]

I thought it was pretty tough already :o normally I get maybe one tiny cold a season. I think this is multiple colds if that's possible.

[Blueberry]

I've already had 2 this year. The lady whose office is beside mine has a little one in day care. So far, I'm batting 1000. The little one gets a cold, she gets it, she comes to work - 2 days later I get it. Took out half of November and another week in December. I do use hand sanitizer, wash my hands, etc., etc., but I still don't seem to be able to avoid the germs. *sigh* Hopefully her kiddo stays well for a while.

[OakLeaf]

Keeping my fingers crossed, but this MAY be the second cold I've been able to knock flat with black elderberry extract. It's been trying to catch me for two days now and despite EXTREME stress, the kind that would usually have me in bed with bronchitis, so far I'm holding it off. Touch wood. Last time I was willing to allow it might've been a fluke, right now I'm convinced black elderberry is THE stuff.

[Bike Chick]

I had my first cold in over a year during Thanksgiving that ended up turning into a nasty sinus infection. I just started back running and swimming and the sneezing and runny nose began again last night. I'm feeling kinda run down this morning.......Please let it just be allergies! I don't want another cold--my training was just going good.

Trek, I understand what you are talking about. How frustrating! I hope you are feeling better.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Glad to see I'm not the only one. I've had a cold for over 2 weeks. It feels like different colds: sore throat, no it's congestion no .... it's sinuses no .... it's a cough no .... back to the sore throat.

I was having a lot of this, back and forth, on an doff, never really going away.
Then I checked my vitamin C intake and found that the measely amount I was getting in my big multi-vite every other day or so was not much at all. So I bought some 1000mg tabs of C, started taking 1 per day... and within 48 hours I felt 95% better, and it's still working 3 weeks later. All that nasty gummy sinus stuff and sore throat went away pretty fast.
Maybe a coincidence....maybe not. Cheap enough and safe enough to try it out though! :)

[GLC1968]

Keeping my fingers crossed, but this MAY be the second cold I've been able to knock flat with black elderberry extract. It's been trying to catch me for two days now and despite EXTREME stress, the kind that would usually have me in bed with bronchitis, so far I'm holding it off. Touch wood. Last time I was willing to allow it might've been a fluke, right now I'm convinced black elderberry is THE stuff.

Ditto.

Honestly, I usually get a couple of colds a season at least, mostly because I suck at sleeping. This year? Not so much as a sniffle yet (knock on wood). And what am I doing differently? The ONLY thing is my elderberry tincture. I still suck at sleeping, I'm still training (now publicly too since I joined a pool), I still work with the same people and I still have the same stress levels. And, I would venture a guess that I'm actually not eating nearly as many fruits and veggies this year as in the past because I now actively try to avoid eating things that are out of season and grown far away.

There have been a couple of situations where I *thought* that maybe a cold was settling in...but the next day, all symptoms are gone. This has happened three times already, too. I credit the elderberry tincture.

[Crankin]

What brand elderberry tincture do you buy, or do you make it on your own?
I have reactions to everything (including vitamins), but I have been reading about this for years. Oakleaf, have you had any of the side effects, i.e. from the diuretic aspect or stomach issues?

[OakLeaf]

I've taken Sambucol syrup, which is standardized, and now I'm using Quantum Health liquid extract (alcohol/water), which is not standardized but still seems like you get more for your money. I haven't had any side effects from either, even when I take them on an empty stomach.

[GLC1968]

I make my own. Organic dried black elderberries and vodka (30 days, darkness, shaken every third day & then strained). And, instead of the cheap vodka that I bought to make it, I ended up using good stuff so it's actually kind of smooth. Throw some sugar in there and it might actually taste pretty good (I didn't, but I could see how it would improve it)!

I did notice the diuretic effect at first, but I think my body has adjusted to it. Is that even possible? I've had no stomach issues at all and I usually take mine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I follow it up with coffee to kill the taste in my throat, too.

[cyclingqueen2k9]

Last year was the sickest year for my family. Between me and my family we were all sick about 4 times each last year.

This year I am trying to be more preventative by using Triaminic's Cold and Flu tracker (http://youcastcorp.com/c/79/go/index.php?r=0) to get a idea about the infection rates in my area, then I plan countermeasures to keep my family from getting sick during this flu season.

I became aware of this little app at work since my job started a campaign with Triaminic about a year ago for their National Sick Day Guidelines campaign. Last year was a nightmare and I don't want to be in the same situation this year.

[indysteel]

Does anybody use a Neti pot? I don't get colds with any frequency, but I do seem to get a sinus infection every year/other year or so. I had one over Christmas and, while I purchased a Neti pot this go-around, I haven't used it yet. I just need to get over my nervousness about pouring water into my nose!

[tulip]

Ever since I started working from home, stopped using mass transit (because I moved to a city with essentially none), and basically became a very happy hermit, I have not gotten any colds. Wait, I did have one at Thanksgiving...

[GLC1968]

Does anybody use a Neti pot? I don't get colds with any frequency, but I do seem to get a sinus infection every year/other year or so. I had one over Christmas and, while I purchased a Neti pot this go-around, I haven't used it yet. I just need to get over my nervousness about pouring water into my nose!

I'm thinking about getting one to combat the effects of having chlorinated water in my sinuses every couple of days from swimming. I've never used one before though, so I don't know if it'll help or not.

[Becky]

Does anybody use a Neti pot?

Yep- love it! Actually, I use the Sinus Rinse bottle (http://www.neilmed.com/usa/products.php), mostly because I'm uncoordinated. I've managed to chase off sinus infections that normally would have required antibiotics.

The whole "water in the nose" thing does take a little getting used to. I found that it's easier to neti in the shower- that way, I don't have to concentrate on hitting the sink with the waterfall or have tissues and towels handy.

Give it a try. I think you'll find that it makes a difference.

[OakLeaf]

There was a whole thread about sinus irrigation a year or so ago. Do a search on "neti pot."

[indysteel]

There was a whole thread about sinus irrigation a year or so ago. Do a search on "neti pot."

Thanks!