[Donut]

Paracetamol or aspirin will ease fever, sore throats and general pains. A full dose four times a day helps to keep fever and pains away. If your throat is sore, dissolve soluble aspirin in some water and gargle for a few minutes before swallowing. The local effect of the aspirin on the throat adds to the pain relief. Many cold remedies sold at pharmacies contain aspirin or paracetamol as one of their ingredients. NOTE: Children 12 and under should not be given aspirin to swallow or gargle. They can be given paracetamol liquid (Calpol, Disprol, etc).

As Gokuzool said nose congestion may be relieved by steam inhalations. A traditional routine is to add a couple of menthol crystals to a bowl of steaming water. Bend over the bowl and put a towel over your head and bowl to capture the steam. Breath the steamy vapour for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day. The menthol crystals are not essential, it is the steam that does the trick. Decongestant sweets, nose-sprays, vapours, drops or medicines may ease a congested nose. Ask your pharmacist for advice. They should not be used for more than 5 days at a time. If used longer they may cause a swelling inside the nose causing it to be more congested. Some cold/decongestant medicines also contain ingredients that can make you drowsy. They may help with sleep if taken at bedtime.

And as Mel said drink plenty of fluid. A fever may cause extra body fluid to be lost by sweating. Having low body fluids (mild dehydration) can make you feel more tired and may cause a headache. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Hot drinks are often soothing too.

Most colds do not cause complications. Occasionally the mucus can travel to the chest, sinuses or ears which may lead to chest infections, sinusitis or ear infections. Consult a doctor if cold symptoms do not ease within a week or if you suspect a complication.

[ 01-10-2003, 07:20 AM: Message edited by: Donut ]