Best Way To Treat Flu Or Chesty Cough.

[Bramleyboy]

My wife is in bed with a very chesty Dry Cough. She says it is not flu. She insists
on keeping cool, nor perspiring and having the widow open. I say she should sweat it out, keep warm and really stay in bed. I think that the warmer you are the quicker the infection will go and you bronchioles are more dilated to ease the coughing. She has taken some paracetamol capsules. Any professionals out there with a definitive answer I would appreciate your opinions. Many thanks for reading this ‘crie de coeur’, Bramley

[Mamyalynne]

Not a professional and I see your point but if she is more comfortable keeping cool then let her.

Fluids and paracetamol will help.

[Georgiesmum]

I would say drink loads of fluids, take regular cold and flu capsules or similar, have soup (Heinz chicken soup is ideal ) and get plenty of sleep.

[carolegif]

This cough seems to be doing the rounds! My husband has it, started as a cold. Fine for a while, then starts to cough and can’t stop to get his breath. It is not on his chest. So far tried Benelyn Mucus cough, Lem Sip day and night, Broncostop, all to no avail! Now on Covonia Dry and Tickly cough medicine and Jackman’s cough sweets (the black ones)! I’ll keep you posted on anything thT works!

[furrypusscat]

I am also one of the sufferers. I must admit I like to keep cool can't do with being overheated. Paracetamol is probably best particularly if a temperature and definitely plenty of fluids. I find I am having to go to sleep propped up with pillows so am almost in a sitting position although I don't sleep well that way but I find it helps ease the coughing. Jakemans' menthol sweets can also help a bit.

[Old_Geezer]

I was under the impression that heat was the body's way to weaken & fight the infection. I may be wrong but I try to stay as warm as I can bear. But each to their own.

[woofgang]

She should do as she chooses. If she feels well enough to lay down the law its not flu. Her painkiller of choice will make her feel better, likewise staying hydrated. Wait on her hand foot and finger, obey her lightest whim and don't argue.

[Ellipsis]

Day Nurse. Wonderful stuff. Available over the counter at pharmacies.

[woofgang]

carolegif i had a cough like that a couple of years ago. When I finally scared myself by not being able to catch my breath in the night (I live alone) I went to the doc and once he had listened to my chest and ruled out infections and anything nasty, he prescribed a salbutamol inhaler which sorted the problem.

[carolegif]

Thanks woofgang. It may mean a trip to the doctor’s.

[Patsy33]

It's a virus going around. Lots of fluid, glycerine cough syrup, cold & flu remedies, like day/ night nurse, or something similar. It will eventually ease up. If she doesn't want to be overheated, then let her be. Best wishes to her.

[Eve]

I had a nasty chesty cough thing before Christmas, though went to a chest infection for me and took ages to get rid of it. I tried mainly Covonia and Jakemans sweets. Keeping propped up and lots of fluids. I found it easier to be propped up on the sofa.

I'm the same about having fresh air, as long as she is warm enough. I'd feel worse if I was too warm and without any fresh air. Would rather bundle up under a duvet/blankets and with a hot water bottle if needed and have the window open. I hope she feels better soon.

[curlyhair]

You can't cure colds or the flu, but you can relieve the cough and sore throat that sometimes come with them.

Use cough drops or hard candy.
Try a teaspoon of honey.
Drink up.
Heat up that drink.
Use cough medicine.
Use a decongestant.
Breathe in steam.

https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/treating-your-cough check out this article for detailed steps for curing flu.

[Bramleyboy]

Thank you all for your advice. Old Geeser and I seem to be out of date! But I’d still do it. Thanks all, Bramley.