The common cold - what is the point?

[Baron von Lotsov]

It's my dear wife who likes all the herbal remedies. In fact, her ancestors were very much into it. She takes echinacea tablets to protect against colds, but we both picked up this infection at the same time and we've both had similar course of the virus.

It sounds like bullshit. Here your firm puts the proles right on the matter. As per usual the Mail and Telegraph have been selective.

https://www.nhs.uk/news/lifestyle-and-exercise/echinacea-cold-study-claims-analysed/">https://www.nhs.uk/news/lifestyle-and-e ... -analysed/">https://www.nhs.uk/news/lifestyle-and-exercise/echinacea-cold-study-claims-analysed/

Many of these basic problems would usually be picked up by the peer review process or journal editors. The lack of such quality standards may leave the reporters and editors a little red-faced. This news story should stand as a warning to journalists of the dangers of taking research at face value without bringing any critical faculties to bear.

[Barry]

Oh just the boring stuff then. I thought you might be into herbs and such. I hit the homeopathics depending on the symptoms. My doc hates me!

It's my dear wife who likes all the herbal remedies. In fact, her ancestors were very much into it. She takes echinacea tablets to protect against colds, but we both picked up this infection at the same time and we've both had similar course of the virus.

[Baron von Lotsov]

Yes, it is true, I used to live in an isolated village and I had far fewer colds. Two winters ago I had 3 over the winter, which was pretty miserable.

They're not influenza, of course, which is completely different as everyone knows. There's vaccinations to help prevent 'flu, but no victory yet over the common cold, despite years of research.

Perhaps the makers of cold remedies would be a bit miffed if a cure was found.

The interesting thing was the same situation happened with my woman. She came down with a bug on the plane and I caught it from her, but she was throwing up and got the full dose where I think it lasted about half a day for me. As soon as i could feel it coming it went. Perhaps the fresh air of the country keeps the immune system in better working order. That's the best defence, and entirely natural. I have not taken any of these cough medicines since i was a child.

[Barry]

Yes, it is true, I used to live in an isolated village and I had far fewer colds. Two winters ago I had 3 over the winter, which was pretty miserable.

They're not influenza, of course, which is completely different as everyone knows. There's vaccinations to help prevent 'flu, but no victory yet over the common cold, despite years of research.

Perhaps the makers of cold remedies would be a bit miffed if a cure was found.

[Baron von Lotsov]

I never get one living in the country. My brother got one when on a plane and then gave it to me, but without planes one can go around without fear of catching diseases in these parts. So the thing is, if you ever decide to move and want to decide between city and country, consider it as a bonus.

[T00ts]

1g paracetamol every 4 hours. Keep hydrated.

Oh just the boring stuff then. I thought you might be into herbs and such. I hit the homeopathics depending on the symptoms. My doc hates me!

[Barry]

1g paracetamol every 4 hours. Keep hydrated.

[T00ts]

Anyone want one?

I've got one to give away and it got me thinking what is the point of these viruses? They go from one person to another, infecting them for a few days, only to be killed off by the auto immune system.

Perhaps they off a few people, especially in winter, but even then the virus dies.

There is no point except to make us miserable so that when we get better we recognise the joy of feeling good again.     I did read once that every cold is different so needs new antibodies each time. Sorry if you have been feeling rough. Do you have a favourite remedy that doesn't involve alcohol?

[Barry]

Anyone want one?

I've got one to give away and it got me thinking what is the point of these viruses? They go from one person to another, infecting them for a few days, only to be killed off by the auto immune system.

Perhaps they off a few people, especially in winter, but even then the virus dies.