3 days before, SICK--help!

[Bricket]

Both my 4yr old daughter and I have developed some sort of head cold-ish, allergy thing.

Home remedies?
Advice? Should we go to doc?

I'm not accepting this. We **will** be well at DW! *determined*

 

[Bricket]

sore throat

stuffy nose

headache

 

[Aurora0427]

I always take my daughter to the doctor before a trip if she comes down with something, but what you're describing sounds like a head cold. For you, Sudafed, DayQuil, NyQuil to mask the symptoms so you can function. Poor daughter is too young to take much of anything other than Tylenol or Advil. I'd bring a thermometer so you can check temps in case one of you starts running fever.

I'm sorry. We leave in 16 days and I'm petrified DD will get sick before we go......

 

[mjkacmom]

Avoid OTC media now (fever, sneezing, coughing, runny noses are the body's way of fighting the virus). Nothing a doctor can do for you. Use the OTC meds at WDW to help you feel better. A cold virus lasts 7 - 10 days. Just rest now.

 

[Tondee]

Nose spray, 24 hr allergy meds, and cold meds if needed. But that is leaning towards allergies.

 

[PeasandCarrots]

I can't tell you what is safe for you or your child, only a doctor can. But what I do for myself is take 1000mg Vitamin C 3 times a day, 1 probiotic twice a day (growing research says it boosts your entire immune system), and Elderberry/Echinacea. I can't tolerate Zinc but many people say it works well too. It hurts my stomach though.

I also try to eat as many nutrient dense foods as possible - vegetables especially, sleep at least 8 hours, rest/take it easy, stop cardio temporarily, and drink a lot of water. Basically give your body's immune system what it needs to do it's job.

Hope you feel better quickly!

 

[Bricket]

Unfortunately, I cannot rest. This is my first week at my new job!

 

[sharona]

Are you flying? If so, you may want to ask your pediatrician about giving your DD Benadryl for the flight to clear up some of the stuffiness and make the altitude changes less likely to be an issue. If it's just a cold, for me I stick with Vitamin C cough drops and I take a Midol Complete - I know wrong ailment! but it really is the best thing for me as far as sinuses and the accompanying headache.

 

[Bricket]

Avoid OTC media now (fever, sneezing, coughing, runny noses are the body's way of fighting the virus). Nothing a doctor can do for you. Use the OTC meds at WDW to help you feel better. A cold virus lasts 7 - 10 days. Just rest now.

What is OTC "media" and why should I avoid it? (I even googled and I'm still confused)

 

[Bricket]

Are you flying? If so, you may want to ask your pediatrician about giving your DD Benadryl for the flight to clear up some of the stuffiness and make the altitude changes less likely to be an issue. If it's just a cold, for me I stick with Vitamin C cough drops and I take a Midol Complete - I know wrong ailment! but it really is the best thing for me as far as sinuses and the accompanying headache.

It's going to be SHARK WEEK for me too. Wah.

 

[Dismama2boys]

I can't tell you what is safe for you or your child, only a doctor can. But what I do for myself is take 1000mg Vitamin C 3 times a day, 1 probiotic twice a day (growing research says it boosts your entire immune system), and Elderberry/Echinacea. I can't tolerate Zinc but many people say it works well too. It hurts my stomach though.

I also try to eat as many nutrient dense foods as possible - vegetables especially, sleep at least 8 hours, rest/take it easy, stop cardio temporarily, and drink a lot of water. Basically give your body's immune system what it needs to do it's job.

Hope you feel better quickly!

All of this. I also have started using a nasal rinse called Alkalol that is amazingly helpful. Much easier than a neti pot, and the rinse itself is eucalyptus-y/minty and really helps me breathe. May not work for your daughter, depending on her age, but would be great for you. I believe Walgreens carries it.

 

[lovndisney12]

We usually go in December and someone is always battling some type of cold or illness (and one year while there my husband had the horrible norovirus that was going around). BUT, with that said we have always enjoyed our trips and I'm sure you will too. Don't dwell on it - after all - being at Disney with a cold is better than being at work. I know it is frustrating as you want to be 100% but my best advice is to try not to focus on it.

I do suggest getting a flu shot, taking vitamins, and getting plenty of sleep for anyone with a trip coming up. BUT I am not a medical expert and everyone has their own feelings about shots, etc.

 

[Meeko5]

Nose spray! Seriously, it is the most effective thing for me when I get a cold. We use Flonase in our house, but I find that when I'm acutely sick and need quick relief of stuffiness Afrin is the best. But it is addictive (no seriously) so don't use it more than the recommended length of time. A Neti pot/saline rinse also provides quick relief in a more natural way if you can handle doing those.

Also, make sure if you're buying OTC cold meds such as sudafed you're getting REAL sudafed and not the fake stuff. Go to the pharmacy counter and ask for it as they will need your ID. The stuff on shelves is not the same, and doesn't work nearly as well.

For the 4 year old, I'd do some allergy medicine such as zyrtec every morning. Its available OTC now, and we usually buy the store brand. Works just as well. And at night a dose of Benadryl. This is what our doc recommends for my allergy/asthma prone kiddo when his symptoms get bad. He also uses flonase, but definitely no afrin for the kiddo.

Feel better!

 

[bababear_50]

Hi
I am dealing with a head cold that turned into a upper respitory infection right now,definitely early in the season for me. Dr told me there is a early strep throat going around also.
I would pack a OTC (Over The Counter) kit, resort shops don't always carry your brand and they can be pricey.
Drink ALOT of clear fluids, teas, juices, water, extra fruits and veggies.Ginger Ale works well for me.
I would go to the doctor and maybe talk to them about a what if you don't get better scenario ,,maybe they could write you a script for meds should you get worse.
Take a snuggly pillow and blanket with you--kids just love a little piece of home when they are sick.
Maybe pack some favorite herbal teas and cough drops.
Best wishes to you.
Hugs Mel

PS
air pressure when flying can be extremely painful with a head cold so try to do what you can to keep the airways clear.( chew gum or suck on sugar free candies, take small sips of water, use a sinus spray). Wear earplugs to equalize the air pressure on your ears.

 

[goofyintoronto]

What is OTC "media" and why should I avoid it? (I even googled and I'm still confused)

I was confused when I read it at first too. But i think that was a typo, im guessing she meant OTC MEDS (over the counter meds). Avoid it for now, but take it while at wdw if needed. I believe thats what she meant.

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

I would go to an urgent care just to be on the safe side. We have all, except my husband, been sick on one of our Disney trips and most started at home a couple days before. It is not fun being sick at Disney. Hope you both feel better!

 

[floridadream]

I would go to the pediatrician just to rule out strep, ear infections, etc. Also, I started going the natural route last year and I swear by Elderberry. Our local health food store carries it and I give it to the family as soon as we feel something coming on and then up the dose if we don't catch it in time. It could be my imagination, but it's worked liked a charm so far!

 

[bababear_50]

I would go to the pediatrician just to rule out strep, ear infections, etc. Also, I started going the natural route last year and I swear by Elderberry. Our local health food store carries it and I give it to the family as soon as we feel something coming on and then up the dose if we don't catch it in time. It could be my imagination, but it's worked liked a charm so far!

Hi floridadream

I have never heard of Elderberry and just googled it,,thank-you for sharing.
Folk medicine[edit]
"Black elderberry has been used medicinally for hundreds of years.[8][9] Some preliminary studies demonstrate that elderberry may have a measurable effect in treating the flu, alleviating allergies, and boosting overall respiratory health.[10][11]"

Is the Elderberry you take a liquid or a pills supplement?
Thanks
Hugs Mel

 

[kkendle]

Sorry...I feel your pain. I have the same symptoms and leave in 3 days as well. I have had it since Sunday so 4 days and it is starting to get better now. I have been taking benadryl....because it really helps with drying your nose up. I have had runny, itchy, sneezing, and also stuffy nose which drives me crazy and makes your nose sore from blowing it all day. The benadryl has helped with that or any antahistimine would help with that. Problem is, it does make you sleepy but the benefits are worth it to me. I also had some cold eeze lozenges and drank orange juice every day trying to help however I could.

Good luck...with a 4 year old, I may try and take her to dr because maybe they could give you something stronger to help ease her symptoms.

 

[capegirl]

This is a depressing thought, but getting sick just before, or during a Disney trip has become part of our trip planning. I pack a 'Disney bug ' kit to help us survive all ailments. OP The advice about seeing your doctor before you leave is spot on. Don't worry, if you need medical attention on vacation there are plenty of walk in clinics nearby, and there are doctors who will go to your resort room if necessary.