Despite flu vaccines and all the care in the world statistics tell us, we adults will probably get at least one cold or bug this winter. It is possible to escape without doing too much damage. The aim is to prevent the virus turning into a bacterial infection and the only real way to do this is to rest early and keep those BSL’s in toe. (Bugs love high sugars as it allows them breed more freely.)

• Give in. If you need extra insulin for the term of your bug invasion it’s not the end of the world, despite the fact you may be eating very little
• Eat.  I don’t mean to sound like your mother but if you want to get better faster, eat soups with lots of vegies, fruits and custards and throw in some protein too
• Try to avoid: bombarding the body with massive doses of vitamin C.  If your body is not used to it, massive doses can cause really bad diarrhoea.  Lovely!
• Pills and potions.  If it makes you feel better go for it, but remember almost all currently available agents treat the symptoms not the cause, ie you will not get better faster.

For the cough there are many products available. Some of the active ingredients include pholcodine, diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, codeine and guaiphensin. So when you look at the packets you may now recognise why these are there. For really bad chesty cough you can use Bisolvon? and if you are on antibiotics it can help too – it breaks down the mucous (no good for a dry, raspy cough)  Choose tablets or capsules rather than mixtures to decrease the sugar 

Cough lollies are at long last available in sugar free varieties.  The simple act of sucking something and it running down your throat is how they work, so suck, don’t chew!

Antibiotics are over-prescribed in our community to a large degree. You MAY need antibiotics if: you are coughing up smelly yellow or green sputum, you have sinus congestion that is persistent, painful and not responding to any drugs you may have infective sinusitis or your sore throat persists past the few days and you are having trouble swallowing

Generally pharmacists know lots about the cold and flu products so don’t be afraid to ask them for help.  Remember to tell them all the symptoms you currently have and they can assist in choosing the right product.

The take home message is: rest early, drink lots of fluids and check BSL’s frequently. Remember that prevention is better than cure, listen to your body, and if you feel you are getting run down give it so

Give the following a go:

• Take one garlic tablet every day, during winter. When I make the effort, colds steer clear of me and go to someone else !  Also handy to start gulping at the first hint of a cold.  Ditto horseradish, and Echinacea.
• Take 1 hot water bottle, fill with hot water, lie down and do nothing for a while.  Guaranteed to reduce stress and make you feel that life isn't too bad after all.
• Drink lots of hot water. Heaps better than coffee - you will sleep better, and so will your bank balance.
• Make a huge vat of organic vegie soup, and freeze 500ml serves in little decor plastic thingies. Instant dinner for a week.
• Get a "Thinsulate" beanie (about $15) from your local Aussie Disposals. Be warned, it may give you a hot head. Guaranteed to protect your brain from icing over.
• Go swimming in the bay (just joking)