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Many of us see the summer as a carefree time of year – the sun shines, we’re outside more, enjoying live music, fetes and festivals. But it is also a time when common viruses that we see throughout autumn and winter, start to make themselves known. As little ones head back into the classroom, as we return to the office, as socialising returns indoors, these viruses, including covid, common colds, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), start to circulate. Having not long recovered from covid myself (nope we’ve not gone back to 2020, it’s very much around), it was quite rough (my body hasn’t experienced it for a few years), I thought I’d share some of the things that made it more manageable.
The mechanical kit
These are the actual tools that helped with symptom management, not exclusive to helping me feel better, but certainly made a huge difference in how I felt throughout healing.
Sterimar Nasal Spray
The Sterimar Nasal Spray is a natural sea salt spray – ready to use, unlike other saline, neti pots, or sinus rinse kits – that helps to flush, thin and clear mucus and debris, alleviate congestion by reducing the swelling, and moisturise your nasal passages. I was first introduced to Sterimar following sinus surgery several years ago by my ENT doctor. I’ve used it on-and-off on multiple occasions since.
I had to use the allergy relief one on this occasion as that was all the local supermarket had. But it was effective. Each time I used it, and I used it 3 times a day, though it can be used for up to 6, it gave me instant relief. My nasal passages felt clearer and so much more comfortable – the reduced swelling was especially beneficial.
Available as Congestion Relief, Hayfever and Allergy Relief, Nasal Hygiene and Breathe Easy Daily – any of these solutions will help to alleviate the pressure and congestion caused by most respiratory viruses.
As it’s non-medicated it usually doesn’t interfere with other medications. However, if you use other nasal products, there is a particular order to using them. If it is your first time using Sterimar, check with your pharmacist to double check any clashes with medication you are taking and how best to use this product in your routine.
Otrivine Nasal Spray
Following Sterimar, twice a day, I would use the Otrivine Nasal Spray. This is a decongestant that helps to narrow the blood vessels in the nasal passage to alleviate congestion. I first used Otrivine at the start of my sinus problems many, many, many years ago. Flying was a particular problem for my sinuses and I’d get blinding pain when travelling. I’d take it 30 minutes before flying and the Otrivine nasal spray gave me instant relief and breathability.
As covid was so heavily situated in my sinuses, I knew I had to add this to my covid coping kit. And just it always had, it instantly helped to alleviate some of that extreme pressure I was feeling.
Again, this was only available in Otrivine Allergy Nasal Spray at my local supermarket but they are all largely made up with the core ingredient, xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1%, with slight variations in other ingredients across the range.
As a medicated product, you should not use any other decongestant products alongside this, including lemsips. If it is your first time using it, it is important to speak to your pharmacist about application and suitability alongside any other medications.
Paracetamol
As I cannot take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and I was using a decongestant nasal spray, I couldn’t take the usual cold remedies, so relied exclusively on paracetamol (Lemsip messes with my stomach anyway!). I would be quite religious with it though and take 2 500ml tablets, every 4 hours. This helped massively with the covid headache and aches.
Just be sure with any pain medication that you do not exceed the maximum dose in any 24 hour period. And if you do take any NSAIDs – ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. – you take them around with food to protect your stomach.
Balsam tissues
There is nothing worse than a sore nose when having to continually wipe and blow it. Balsam tissues really are a saviour – yes, they’re a little more expensive- but certainly worth the extra expense for the relief they give. Thankfully, despite going through 1 large box and a normal sized box, no dry or rough skin! An unsung hero in respiratory viruses!
Home comforts
The mechanical kit it what helps to alleviate the symptoms I was experiencing but there was so many other things at play:
Rest and relaxation
As soon as I realised this was not part of a flare (my sinuses do act up alongside reflux and endometriosis), or a typical cold, I cleared the diary. I looked around a week ahead and rearranged appointments and cancelled plans I had. This was even before I had a positive covid test. Since my endometriosis diagnosis and continuing problems since surgery, I have to create space and rest for my body around normal activity, let alone when it’s navigating and battling some kind of virus. So in an attempt to avoid prolonged illness, or exacerbating other conditions, rest and recuperation is tantamount. I am not someone that easily naps even with brain fog and heavy tired limbs and eyes, my brain is just too active. But through covid, my body was demanding it and I was sleeping a lot. Without that space and flexibility to do so, I am giving my body what it needs. Even several days after a negative test, I was having to cancel plans because the fatigue was so bad!
Proper rest also included sleeping separately from my partner – I didn’t need the worry or anxiety that I would be infecting him (and then who’d take care of me ;)).
A solid TV playlist
TV is always a solid distraction, but you don’t want to run out of things to watch so I always make sure that ‘my list’ – the things I want to watch – is always well stocked. I find it better to watch something you’ve seen before in the early days of an illness as it means you can easily nod off without having to worry about what you’ve missed but as you start to feel a little more human, those things you’ve been meaning to watch, that fall in comfort territory, are perfectly lined up. I watched 9 to 5 for the first time – not what I was expecting, and The Princess Diaries both 1 & 2 (need to be clued up for the highly anticipated 3rd).
Eat as usual
I found I had an appetite and wanted to eat little and often. Largely, I ate whatever I was given which was mostly along the lines of what I’d usually eat. Had I been prepared, some soups, packed full of veggies, would’ve been ideal – and I’ll be batch cooking some to freeze, rest assured. But listen to your body and eat whatever you fancy – and even have a few treats to make the experience a little more bearable (KitKats were my treat of choice). If you don’t have much of an appetite, force yourself to eat something. Any fuel is going to help your body heal!
What have you found helps when battling a viral infection? Share with us your tips and tricks below.
Featured image: Pavel Danilyuk
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