Chest cold?

[wombatclay]

So I posted in the main pregnancy forum as well, but since we're all in the same place...

Any ideas about treating a chest cold FAST?

I've got a low grade fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, a sore throat, headache, mild ear ache, phlemy chest congestion and stuffy nose, and general muscle ache (over and above my "base line" pregnancy aches). I'm miserable!

And since I WOH and have a 2yo and care for a sick parent...well...I can't sleep in, or go to bed early, or relax on the couch during the day, or call in sick, or do any of those "pampering" things that would make this a little more bearable!

I'll be uping my vitamin c, I can take a really long hot shower each night, I have some vick vapo rub type stuff and I can drink more tea (and even beg DH for some chicken soup)...but what else can I do? Herbal ideas? Homeopathic? Acupressure?

Last pregnancy I got a cold a week or so before dd was born and it really drained my energy reserves and (I think) put me at a disadvantage when I then experienced a long labor and eventual c/s. So I'm terrified that history might repeat itself. Or at least, I'd be terrified if my head would stop hurting long enough for me to focus on the situation!

Thanks all....

[willoLevin]

As usual, I'd try acupuncture. I'm sure you have good people around you, but is it covered by your insurance? (My insurance--BCBS--doesn't "cover" it, but it is discounted somewhat from $75 to $55 per session by showing my card...)

I'd also add cutting out all dairy foods (I know you are on the Blue Ribbon diet, but kicking this cold may be more important at this stage?) and upping both Vit. C and Zinc.

If you've only just started to get symptoms, take one dose of Ferrum Phos. which can help with the fever. Beyond that, you need to check your symptoms more specifically to get a good homeopathic match...

For the earache, put some oil of mullein in your ear. We keep it on hand for DS, who has never actually developed an ear infection yet (maybe because we always use this oil at the first sign of possible discomfort?)

Drinking water with about 1/2 tsp (a tiny splash) of colloidal silver in it can kill bacteria and viruses in your throat. Just sip a bit of it over the course of your day.

--willo