The everlasting cold/cough virus

Thanks for all your advice. I am still hacking away and having spent Christmas with two snotty grandchildren I have a horrible feeling another virus may be about to piggyback on my existing one. You are right about the ribs - they are really aching!

I had it as a pretty normal cold but DH has been ill for about four weeks now. He's on his second batch of antibiotics plus anti vomiting meds. He managed to see the GP on 21st December and was told that if he isn't better after the weekend he must go back on the first day the surgery reopens.

Also had horrendous phleghmy cough.cold symptoms.hot/cold tired aches/pains for weeks now.....in fact from about 4 days after first (and LAST!!!!) flu jab!!! I NEVER normally get colds coughs etc...driving me nuts?. But still had nice Christmas...wont let it beat me?

loopy the aching ribs I remember. Hurt so much to cough.

I have had throat infection and sore swolllen glands - for once it only lasted 4 days. My mum (87) has had the terrible cough and cold thing and 2 courses of antibiotics and now steroids. It lasted 3 weeks acute and cough lingering into week 6. Can't believe I didn't catch it as bad from being with her ! There's a horrible D&V bug going round too, only consolation with that would be some weight loss? We find Olbas Oil is great for breathing in to help the congestion and 'stufffed up' feeling.

7 days in and I'm fervently hoping it's not going to hang around for weeks to come ?
Completely bypassed Christmas Day, Boxing Day's heading the same way. I've coughed so much my eyes are bloodshot and my ribs ache.

Yes, I'm definitely miserable!

Yes, there a really nasty cold doing the rounds. I started a thread about it a few weeks ago when I felt like death warmed over. Never had a cold like it, even when teaching when you're exposed to every virus going.

I've on the mend at long last but the OP wanted to know what could help. I found three things. Drink plenty of fluids to help loosed mucus/catarrh and use steam. I bought a steamer in the end which I left on beside the bed for a week when this were at their worse. If you can't get one then use a kettle ...but just waft the steam towards you ...don't inhale very hot steam. Have a hot shower and/or use the old towel over head inhale steam technique. And finally the only bought product that helped was sucking Potters Chesty Cough Pastilles (Boots)

I wish you well Nvella

I had that heavy cold I think the queen has. Started 10 days ago with mild symptoms then on day three rather than easing off actually got worse. Headache, sore throat, hot n cold sweats and tired but unable to sleep. Been left with a hacking cough that keeps me awake. My sister 200 miles away has similar symptoms so I think it's a virus that swept throughout the country. It's that time of year.......When you least need a cold.

I'm on common cold virus number sixteen since late summer. Occasionally I get a CC-free day between viruses but quite often they overlap. I can tell from symptoms when a new one appears 'on the back of' an old one. Mostly, they last about a week. I wouldn't call any of them serious but the fact that they are nonstop is somewhat energy draining. Roll on summer when all I have to deal with is hay fever and midge/tick bites ?

Apparently having ME (even mildly) and fibromyalgia may be playing a role.

Ive got, no I have a virus, Im on my own and on day ten and just want to crawl in a hole and die! started off as vomiting then the runs, continual headache that wont shift, I do have an irritating dry cough and slight cold symptoms, theres not one part of my body that doesnt hurt! My mouth is full of sores and Ive the biggest cold sore on my lip youve ever seen!! I did ring my doctor before xmas and was told paracetamol and plenty of fluids and let it run its course!!! Its a bloody long course!!!!

Sounds awful. Look after yourselves everybody. Fingers crossed it'll clear up in the new year.

Cold type bugs seem to particularly persistent this year. Most of my family seem to have succumbed and we're spread around the country. I've had an explosive cold which although relatively short lived has left me with a hideous cold sore out break, it's not pretty!
As has been said lots of fluids to drink, and honey and lemon in hot water is soothing. Steam inhalations with Olbas Oil if you're feeling your sinuses are congested. Hope you feel better soon

I have, over the past three months, along with the blasted cough had 3 bladder infections, gastro enteritis and sinusitis.

When I talked to the gp last week Re the latest bladder infection he said that loads of people have had the same experience. I came down with a flu type thing on Christmas Eve despite having had the jab.

I'm feeling loads better today and am thinking about taking a tonic to try to build myself up

A couple of years ago I had chest infections, cough, general washed out feeling for months off and on. Since then I have done my best to keep fit with gym and swimming plus lots of walking in the fresh air. I haven't really been ill since (though that's no help to you at the moment I'm afraid).

However I have also noticed that since I have had to take a daily antibiotic for frontal fibrosing alopoecia this also corresponds with my illness free period. It hasn't stopped the hair loss at all but a few signs of impending cold or a sore throat have all been nipped in the bud. I know doctors seem to infer that antibiotics do not help colds but I am wondering.

Hope you soon recover and meanwhile the usual advice, lots of fluids, rest, warmth, maybe honey and lemon (or something stronger!)