The kids and I have been bedridden since Thanksgiving. Sinus stuff fevers, eye colds. We just can't seem to get well. I try all of the drug store remedies, they help for a little while but then they just seem to quit working. It seems like everytime we get well we are sick again. Is there any help out there? We are outside alot which doesn't help. If you have any secret remedies or advice, Please, Achooo.

-- mindy (speciallady@countrylife.net), November 26, 2001

Answers

Try washing your toothbrushes in the dishwasher or hot water to disinfect so you aren't reinfecting one another.

Rest when you feel tired.

Hot tea with lemon and honey will help.

Put your head under a towel over some steaming water (with eucalyptus if you have it).

Clean surface areas, faucets, doorknobs and phone with a diluted bleach mix. This will kill germs.

Hot showers every day with hot water hitting your head (sinuses). Put a little salt in your hand, mix with the shower water and snort up a straw to dry out your sinuses.

Hope you feel better!

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), November 26, 2001.

Okay, Ann, you had me until the salt-snorting!

-- Tracy Rimmer (trimmer31@hotmail.com), November 26, 2001.

One year we seemed to keep getting sick over and over. Finally, my husband had had it. He went to the cupboard and pulled out the can of Lysol and sprayed it in every room of the house. Worked for us!

-- Anna in Iowa (countryanna54@hotmail.com), November 26, 2001.

Melinda, I know how you feel. I'm just getting over a bad bout with bronchitis. Had to end up going to the dr. for antibiotics. Are your kids in day care? Unfortunately, it seems kids in daycare are always passing things back and forth. About all you can do is get plenty of rest, eat healthy, take zinc and vitamin c and above all, wash your hands frequently. I do think it helps to wash with bleach or Lysol things you touch frequently: door knobs, telephones, faucets, toilet handle, light switches, etc. I also think it is a good idea while everyone is sick to use paper cups and I might even consider boiling the silverware or else using plastic and throwing it away after each use. The outside air itself will not cause colds. In fact, it is probably good to get some fresh air. I would even consider opening a window and airing the house out. It is probably not good to get out in wind or rain but colds are caused by viruses, not cold air! The most important thing is try to keep your immune system healthy by eating healthy. Vitamin c really does help too! Hope you are feeling better soon.

-- Barb in Ky (bjconthefarm@yahoo.com), November 26, 2001.

Get a job closer to your ma ma and homeschool.

-- Cindy (S.E.IN) (atilrthehony@countrylife.net), November 26, 2001.

Hi Mindy,

I agree with the salt-water snorts. My husband has frequent sinus infections and his Dr told him to snort warm salt water and it does help. I've never been able to bring myself to do but he keeps an extra salt shaker in the bathroom just for this. Try rinsing your mouth with salt water too. Best wishes- Charleen

-- Charleen in WNY (harperhill@eznet.net), November 26, 2001.

Personally, I wish that everyone who has a cold or whatever would either stay home or wear a mask over their nose and mouth. It would stop the spread of the illnesses. I'm not sure but I think I read that the whole population in China wears them when there is an outbreak of an illness. With my lungs being what they are, every cold means a bout with bronchitis. And that means a trip to the doctor.

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), November 26, 2001.

Hello Mindy, We're experiencing the same thing ourselves. So far, just rest, staying warm, and vitamin c seem to work. The sinus and eye thing usually happens for us this time of year, but I'm sure the stress we've all been under has lead to a form of immune deficiency. We've had the flu shot, so I know it's not that. But I'd keep a close eye on your symptoms and keep a diary. It can't hurt to document stuff like that just in case. Hope you all get well. Iris

-- Iris (Sar_India@msn.com), November 26, 2001.

My husband was kind enough to share his cold with me, despite the astragalus root I take daily, even the echinacea I took as a preventative at first hint of a cold did not work!!! Probably because of a lack of sleep associated with the extra holiday work and all.

At least the weather is very mild here, that helps make outside chores more bearable!!!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), November 26, 2001.

Sorry to hear you are all sick. It is not easy when you are on your own to do everything. But you may all need an antibiotic. sinus infections can be tough to kick without them. Also the toothbrushes are a good source of re-contamination. YOu may just want to throw the old ones away and buy some new ones. They are pretty cheap at the dollar stores. Also teach your kids to wash, wash , wash their hands. I tell my kids not to touch anything that they don't have to when they are at school. My 10 year old daughter is pretty fanatical about this, and she has NEVER been sick enough to take to the doctor. When she does feel sick, she will lay down for a few hours and get up and feel fine!

-- Melissa (me@home.net), November 26, 2001.

For the last year I have snorted saline everynight. Sounds gross and is but it works. I haven't had any stuffy anything. I also make everyone drink tons of orange juice and eat lots of fruits and veggies now that it is cold. I also am a avid hand washer. I use vinegar to wipe down everything, and change toothbrushes every month.When I or someone else feel like we may be coming down with something, I break out the herbal book.I am also a pusher of quality liquids.At our house this means, water, hot tea, milk , coca-no pop or koolaid etc. Last but most important is plenty of sleep.Take care of yourself!-God Bless

-- Micheale from SE Kansas (mbfrye@totelcsi.net), November 27, 2001.