Health

[jean74]

Hi everyone. Talking of Health anybody got a cure ?
I had the 'flu after Christmas, and I don't mean a cold, I mean real Flu. It has left me with a rattly chest, and as you know if you are a singer, that is the last thing that is needed. Anybody got a good cure, tried the doc's, all the usual, head over a bucket of steam, etc., but no luck. I would really appreciate a good cure.

Jeannie James

[Emerald Midi]

Sorry to learn you are feeling poorly.

I'm certainly not medically qualified to offer advice but I don't think there is a cure as such for the flu. I know you can take certain remedies that will ease the recovery period but as for an actual cure I don't know.

I hear stories about how taking a couple of shots of whiskey can help, though

[thingyy]

High dosages of Vit C,Garlic,Honey and Lemon.

[shyamwestwind]

Hi Jeannie
The "flu" in the days gone , was influenza, but nowadays, its usually some crazy viral fever and I'm sorry but the only option is to take a good antibiotic for five days, supplenented with a good Multi Vitamin.. Plain steam inhalation and a good hot water bath with a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in it, helps a lot.
A small peg of warmed Brandy, mixed with a bit of crushed, pepper, two cloves and a teaspoon of honey, does help a lot too.
Hope you'll be better soon.

[Emerald Midi]

I read you can also get a "flu jab" from your GP, which apparently last a whole year! So maybe there is a cure, after all. But the jab is a preventive measure and I think you're after something that will vanish it now that you have it, so this approach might not be too beneficial in your case.

Good luck to you.

[JohnG]

Didn't I hear recently the results of a study which said that for coughs they had found that the most effective of all the different ingredients was honey? But a wee dram o' whisky or brandy helps you to feel a better. (an illusion)

I'm not sure that goes for a "rattly chest", but I still use Friar's Balsam as an inhalation a couple of times a day if I get a chest infection. Yea, sometimes you need antibiotics too if it gets bad.

For sore throats I still use what my Granny taught me, a half a teaspoon of salt in a tumbler full of warm water and gargle with it all. (Not all in one gulp obviously ) Again morning and evening usually does the trick for me. BTW my doctor confirmed it as good "just a little salt" he said.
N.B. Don't use too much salt as it can damage the mucous membrane. It should just taste slightly salty.

I guess I should have posted this to your health problems too, Shyam.

All the best,
JohnG.

[weegeo]

warm cider vinegar and a full teaspoon of honey always works for me

Regards weegeo

[midimart]

I think she means the rattly chest......

A good pat on the back, it may not get rid of it - but we all need a pat on the back every so often....

lol

[JohnG]

A good pat on the back, it may not get rid of it - but we all need a pat on the back every so often....

Here's one for you then Glenn.

Keep up the good work. "Who loves ya baby?" With apologies to Kojak.

Cracking job done by all MM's admin.

[JazzCat]

Hey Shyam,
Antibiotics do absolutely no good for viral infections, which is what colds and influenza are.
Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections. The overuse of antibiotics and the improper use of them is the reason we now have resistant 'super bugs' that NO antibiotic can kill!

Rules for antibiotic use:

If you are prescribed antibiotics take them exactly as directed and do NOT stop taking them once you start to feel better. Finish the prescription!! If you do not, here is what happens. Some of the bacteria survive and multiply. These new bacteria are now more resitant to that antibiotic, so you have just helped to create a new 'super bug'.
It is vital to the survival of the human species not misuse or abuse antibiotics any more than we have already.

[thingyy]

Garlic capsules and high doses of vit C will assist in clearing viruses.

[JazzCat]

High doses of Vitamin C can damage the kidneys, so be careful with that as well. Moderation not megadoses!

[shyamwestwind]

True, Jazzcat, antibiotics if taken should be taken for the prescribed period. They are what are known as Broad Spectrum Drugs and need to be taken as prescribed. Many discontinue when they feel better and as you have rightly said, creates a situation where the antiobotic wont work for you again.

[jean74]

I would like to thank everybody that gave ne advise. Apparently it was a viral infection, the obly trouble is it keeps coming back. Think it's gone, and a week later I am back where I started. I think the best cure is a GUN. (ha ha)

[JazzCat]

'Broad spectrum' isn't a type of drug Shyam. It is the term for andy drug that covers a wide variety. A Broad spectrum antibioticis one that can kill a lot of different bacteria strains. Some antibiotics only focus on a particular one or two strains. Broad spectrum antibiotics kill a bunch of 'em.