Nurses, please help!

[Crazie4daMouse]

We are leaving for DW in 16 hours and all 3 of us are getting sick, DH, DS 4, and myself. Sinus drainage and congestion, sore throat, and achy all over. What should we do? We've never been to DW sick before and don't want it to ruin our trip. Would a run to the doc do any good at all?? A steroid shot maybe? I know that once this hits full force, my 4 yr old and I will be miserable. DH seems to fight through sickness well, but we don't. In addition, I don't want to go spreading the love of this bug to everyone else!

 

[ElenaRN]

I'm not sure a dr would give you a steroid injection as a first treatment option.

Antibiotics maybe, but if it's viral they wouldn't help anyway.

I would just take OTC medicine and hope for the best.

Get some vitamin C and some saline spray for your nose (neti pot if you use it).

Good luck!

 

[tevisco4]

There is Tamiflu, but you need to get a prescription for it. Tamiflu needs to be administered within two days of onset of the flu symptoms. Of course, the sooner the better.
Tamiflu can be given to anyone at least one years old, however, I have heard that the children dosage has been hard to get.
However, if it is not the flu, it will not help with the common cold.
Hope you can enjoy your trip!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I suggest that you contact a professional; ie your own doctor.

 

[pigletgirl]

Fluids, Tylenol and a decongestant. It's most likely a virus and unfortunately it'll have to run its course. Remember to wash hands religiously!!! Have a good trip!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Fluids, Tylenol and a decongestant. It's most likely a virus and unfortunately it'll have to run its course. Remember to wash hands religiously!!! Have a good trip!

NO! If you take Tylenol, the fluids cannot be alcoholic

 

[MSSANDRA]

I am never the person that wants to use antibiotics as a first line of defense, but in this situation, I would head to the doctor and ask for at least a prescription to take along in case what might be viral, progresses to a bacterial infection that would require medical intervention on your trip. The doctor can give you guidelines on when more intervention might be needed and if nothing else, be familiar with your symptoms so if things get worse, you can call your own doctor for intervention instead of heading to a facility there. My DH swears by airborn, taken at the first sign of illness and taken regularly thereafter. For your little guy, ask what, if anything is ok to give a child for symptoms. Doctor vary greatly on what they feel is ok for kids.
Take it easier that you might would have and I bet you will be ok in a few days. Prayers for a healthy trip.

 

[Coconuts]

I was going to respond but I realized that you are probably on your way. Let us know how it went.

More than likely it's probably viral and OTC meds are advisable. But a visit to the doctors would be my first suggestion.

 

[KalamityJane]

Ok, this is more on the natural side of things, but I always try to seriously up vit C and D when we get sick with anything (and ironically, we are going through the same thing you are right now). I gargled with apple cider vinegar/warm water (supposed to help kill germs in the back of the throat, I like it because it helps the sore throat). I started the kids and I on vit C and D when I started feeling badly, mine was over within 24 hours (though I still feel "off" but not like death anymore). The kids didn't get it anywhere near as badly as I did, and DH has it the worst. We take Emergen-C and vit D3 if that helps.

I would also up probiotics (yogurts, or dedicated probiotics). The vitamins and the probiotics should help support your immune system so you will be over it quicker. In the case of a virus, this should really help.

 

[KalamityJane]

Also, Mucinex or anything with guafenicin (sp?) can really help with sinus drainage, just make sure to keep drinking.

 

[pigletgirl]

NO! If you take Tylenol, the fluids cannot be alcoholic

She probably couldn't taste it anyways. Ha.