I am going on holiday in 3 days and of course my body decided a couple days ago to catch a cold…right before my long awaited holiday!!

Any tips on how to get rid of it asap? Speed up the recovery somehow?

I have flu/cold medicine with paracetamol, caffeine and phenylephrine hydrochloride, however I have stopped taking it after 2 doses (of two capsules each) so I can allow my body to do what it needs with no obstruction before I go away…

I am resting (sleeping until I feel rested. I have free days before the holiday so can sleep as much as I need), eating light meals, plenty of drinks and soothers for the dry/sore throat

Does taking medicine to relieve symptoms prolong the actual healing process? Or am I suffering for no reason right now?

Please, any help is appreciated, I’m desperate here 🙏🙏

  • ugh@lemm.ee
    6·
    1 year ago

    Medicine does not prolong the healing process. The only “beneficial” side effect is the fever, but there isn’t hard evidence that it’s better or worse to bring down a fever (unless you hit 102°F or higher). If you choose to let your body do its thing and burn down the house, just avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol).

    Colds often take up to a week or more to pass, so there’s a chance that you won’t be better in 3 days.

    Vitamin C and vitamin D3 are also good for your immune system.

      • ImplyingImplications@lemmy.ca
        3·
        1 year ago

        Looking it up, I only see indications that acetaminophen is included in pretty much every pain or flu drug so if you’re already taking something for your cold, you’ve probably already taken acetaminophen and don’t need any more.

        • ritswd@lemmy.world
          3·
          1 year ago

          For more clarity: the amount needed to overdose on acetaminophen is quite low, you can enter liver failure quite easily if you overdo it. People have been known to sometimes take more acetaminophen when they start feeling the resulting liver pains, making the problem gradually worse, and sometimes ending up dying from it.

          So, if you’ve already taken acetaminophen as part of some medication, it’s not just that you don’t need to take more, it’s actually dangerous if you do.

      • ugh@lemm.ee
        1·
        1 year ago

        Acetaminophen is a fever reducer

        (I’m sorry, I haven’t been on in awhile but saw that you didn’t get an answer)