thumbs up, thumbs up, thumbs up I can't thumbs up this enough!! Flu shot is my life saver!

So, medicine was a field of study of mine— and I work in the sector, chicken noodle soup (REGULAR sodium, not low sodium) is useful because you can absorb the moisture and replenish your electrolytes lost in the process whereas potassium blocks the absorption of Sodium (antagonistic channels).

Also, you get dehydrated from the mouth breathing and more shallow respiration, which is part of why you dehydrate. Also part of the benefits of more fluids is to thin mucus. Better yet though, anti-inflammation meds help your decongestion because mucus is not the worst part, it’s the inflammation.

Key totelling if you have a virus versus an infection is phlegm color— clear? Viral. Green or yellow? That’s bacterial. Red/brown? You’re bleeding somewhere.

Wow! Gargle with water, who would have thought? Anyway, I believe this site, people believe much more about the science of things! And as for the old wives tales, I'm a firm believer in ginger and honey, thanks for the information! And stay well!!!

Item #8: Mom was right. "8. If your stomach is also upset, ginger can provide some relief."

I'm just getting over the flu. Monday (Jan. 19) will make two weeks since the full onset of symptoms. Now, when I was a kid, my mother always bought sherbet and ginger ale when we were sick. As an adult, I no longer believe in the medicinal properties of either (although that article does makes that statement about ginger), yet I asked my wife to pick some of both up at the store. Why? Because although I no longer believe in them as medicine, I do recognize the efficiency of the placebo effect. And what is remarkable about the placebo effect is that it can sometimes work even when the patient knows the medicine being received is a placebo. Being that I was inculcated from a young age to believe they worked, I suspect there's a part of me that is still subject to that belief. I put such things in the category of, "It can't hurt, and may help."

But I would never ignore the findings of medical science. I had my flu shot as early as I could get it this year, as I always do. This is the first bout of flu I've had in many a year.

Wash your God danmed hands people!!!!!

My mothering instinct goes into hyper-drive and I find myself telling people the best thing they can do it get as much rest as possible and to drink plenty of liquids. Hopefully that doesn't make me an armchair physician so much as an annoyingly nurturing person.

1 seems like some snake oil. The rest are pretty much common knowledge and/or common sense except for the zinc one. I used to steep ginger root in my green tea.

Also, kind of on the subject, but not entirely. One of my long-time acquaintances at work - a man of about 72 - is currently in the hospital because after LOSING sight in one eye two days prior another co-worker finally INSISTED she was taking him to the hospital.

He is in ICU, semi-comatose, sepsis and bacterial lesions on his brain.

Why don't people go to the doctor when something is wrong????

If I lost vision in my eye for FIVE minutes and I'll be at the nearest hospital immediately. I changed my mind. If I LOST vision in one eye even for 1 second I'd rush to the doctor.

Anyway, back to colds and flus.....sorry SB.

Yup!

Here in Louisiana, the CURE-ALL for 99% of the people I've spoken to is "A shot and anti-biotics." Infuriates me.

My friend said "I would never get a flu shot" clearly with an air of superiority. Now that her granddaughter was just diagnosed with autism, I'm waiting for the non-correlation to be brought up as "fact."

I get mine every year. No joke whatsoever. I don't want to die -- OR end up with a visit to the hospital.

Btw, like the helmet, and your pup looks cute AF on the back of the bike.

Don't forget the new disclosure from the Trump religious adviser that Jebbus is your vaccine and all you need.

Thanks! Found out I'm 7 for 8 (I don't do the zinc). I also get my flu shot every year, wash my hands frequently, and try to avoid getting my face coughed or sneezed into. I've been exposed to both strep and the flu, and have managed to avoid both. Granted, both are still going around, but, so far, so good.
Btw, staying the hell out of Walmart helps immensely, as well!