I keep getting sick!

[BabyQ]

Hi everyone! First time poster here and from seeing how involved you all are in helping each other with questions I was hoping you all would be able to offer me some help/advice/SOMETHING!

I'm 18 wks preg with our first Peanut, and I this is the third time in a month that I've come down with a headcold! I just took a whole week off to ensure I was well enough to return to my teaching job (when I had the second bout) and from Thursday I was all better, but last night I felt the symptoms all over again! Sore throat, sinus drainage, etc. It's so frustrating!

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do? Trying to avoid all medications, even paracetemol, and don't wanna get so ill that I need antibiotics.

[Alan]

Hi Anessa
In your job it would be very difficult to avoid people who have a cold.
The cold virus is spread by water droplets, so coughing, sneezing will spread the virus into the air. We are all told to cover out mouth when we cough however this can also spread the virus by contact. If after coughing into your hand and then touch a door handle or virtually anything else, the next person who touches that object may pick up the virus on their hand.

Some tips that may help you avoid a cold are-
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Try to avoid large groups of people.
Try to avoid small enclosed spaces such as a small room.
Keep up your intake of Vit C
Eating garlic may also help
PS antibiotics will do nothing for the common cold, it is a virus and antibiotics do not work on viruses

[BellyBelly]

I'd go see a naturopath or traditional chinese medicine practitioner to help stimulate your immune system. Naturopaths have access to practitioner only heavy duty pregnancy mulit vitamins which are safe too.

[Bathsheba]

I agree with the suggestions above. I'd also try to make sure you keep up the fluids, especially water. I know this sounds obvious but I know that working as a teacher you can often get so busy during the day that you can forget to drink enough. Cold germs prefer a dry/dehydrated body in which to thrive... they also like also a cooler one (so keep rugged up) and avoid extremes of temperature.

I found that during all my early pregnancies I was more suceptible to the cold virus. Making sure you get as much extra rest and sleep will also help your body heal itself... I know, easier said than done!

[BabyQ]

Hi everyone, thanks for your advice! I think I may just have to "suck it up!" as they say! I'll look into seeing a naturopath and take the strongest (safest) vitamins possible. I've also taken a trip to the supermarket to load up on fruit/veges in hopes of kicking this thing!

Anyone have a good recommendation for vitamins? (anyone heard of USANA?)

[kelebek]

yes I have heard of USANA & from what I understand the vitamins have higher doses so that has to be good for you, some more common ones are Elivet - which is a multivitamin for pregnant & breastfeeding women so if you are going to take that you should probably also look at echinasea (sp), vit c, garlic, all things to boost your immune system. You could try some soup that has heaps of garlic & celeray in it for their goodness as well.
Unfortunately working with kids you are going to be at higher risk of colds etc... you can get instant sanistiser cream stuff that you put on your hands to kill the germs, that could help to prevent future colds. Goodluck with it