It started yesterday with a little bit of a runny nose,

[multigraincracker]

not bad, just a steady drip. Later a couple of dry coughs. Last night my temp went up to 99, my usual temp is around 96. Dry scratchy throat.
First thought was Omicron, but could just be a cold. Not very sick, had colds much worse.
Did my usual things, put some cayenne in a little bit of water and tossed it down my throat. Next, did a netti pot up the nose. Took a couple of Advil.
Feel better this morning. Have the same symptoms, just milder. Will isolate for 10 days.

I'm 72 in good shape. Had no reaction at all to my 3 my shots, I wondered if that was good or bad.

[Duncanpup]

1. Here is hoping

[usaf-vet]

48. Got the cayenne pepper but WHAT IS "a netti pot up the nose?"

I got the cayenne pepper, but WHAT IS "a netti pot up the nose?"

I don't remember that in Gramma's bag of home remedies.

[smirkymonkey]

49. It is an old Ayurvedic method used to clear out the sinus canals.

However you can find saline rinses in most pharmacies which will do the same thing. They actually work pretty well.

[usaf-vet]

53. Thanks I will invesigate that little more. I remember my Gramma making a steaming pot....

.... of water then adding some... ???? + more ????.

Then she had me sit on an elevated chair and had me put my hands under the table and told me to keep them there.

Then she threw a towel over the steaming pot and my head and told me to breathe deep.

Years later, I finally figured out it was to help decongest my chest.

I still miss my Gramma for many reasons, but when I'm sick or injured, I always think of her and what Gramma would do.

Now I realize my mom had had some of Gramma's "cures" and knew taking me to her was better than the doctors.

[smirkymonkey]

71. Just one caveat - make sure you use cooled water that has been boiled if you do it at home

(and use an actual netti pot or something like it) or use a sterile prep from the pharmacy (which is what I use) because it can be dangerous if you use straight tap water in your sinuses.

It might be fine for drinking, but even a minuscule amount of bacteria can cause very serious problems in your sinus cavity and in rare cases can be fatal.

[electric_blue68]

57. Grandmas 🇮🇳 from India 👍😁

[TheBlackAdder]

85. Checking in with family & co-workers. Those over 40 seem to take 12-14 days to get better.

.

COVID is ripping though the metro NY/NJ area.

Just a brief pocket poll with co-workers shows 7-8 families have COVID now.



One of my daughter's friends is an anti-vaxxer, but was masked when she met my daughter on Christmas Eve. They were outside for an hour and she briefly hugged the friend. That's all it took. She called my daughter on 12/27 saying her BF and her were positive. On 12/28 my daughter started seeing a temperature spike, and used a BirnaxNOW rapid test kit I had. That test went positive within 30 seconds, then she used another to see if that was a fluke and it too went positive. I went through $100 of rapid tests and ran out by the time the 2nd kid went positive and before the PCR results came back. I started to trip a fever after New Years and my sister sent me a BirnaxNOW one she had and that tripped positive.


That girlfriend/boyfriend pair are both assholes who venture around unmasked. It turns out she alone got several complete households infected that have comorbidities and one was a sheltered 9-month pregnant woman who was super careful to not get it. When confronted, she didn't give a shit! Her BF was spreading his shit at TCNJ and elsewhere too. They're like Typhoid Mary & Typhoid Chad.


Also, going against my instructions, my daughter wore two of those cheap-assed blue masks instead of the N95s I gave her. Those things don't do shit, even if doubled up, regardless of who's trying to sell them as effective. Most of them are not surgical grade, and are made in mainland China with subpar materials and suspect packaging. Well, 3 of the 4 of us are with COVID here and we've been in quarantine since 12/27. We're all vaxxed and boostered. 3 of 4 are all Pfizer. The fourth is Pfizer/Pfizer/Moderna. We all ended up catching it. The first two tested clean now, I'm on Day 8. My Moderna booster daughter tested positive 3 days ago, a delayed onset.


Luckily, Christmas day was cancelled with our extended family and presents were exchanged at the bottom of the driveway, with all masked and only waves and fist bumps allowed. But still, this caused a lot of testing by all to make sure others were OK.


Also, it is lucky we live in NJ, because the PCR tests are FREE.


Besides the Rapid Test loss, the two girls that got infected had jobs they needed to appear to, so they lost income. My other daughter and I can work from home so we're OK. My son was told to stay away from home. One twin sister and BIL live near me with immuno/comorbidity issues. My other twin sister and BIL lives in PA and she has weakened immune and comorbidities. The PCR tests in PA cost them $90 each. These two assholes cost our household/family alone in the neighborhood of $1,500 so far. Not to mention fucking us up health wise.

.

[raccoon]

2. Does the cayenne pepper make your throat feel better?

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[multigraincracker]

4. Yes, I've been doing that for about 50 years.

Before that, I'd end up going to the doctor for a strep throat about once a year. Learned that little trick and have never got strep again.

Take about an 1/8 tsp of cayenne and stir it into about one swallow of water and toss it down. Sounds terrible, it's not at all. Get a nice warm feeling in the throat and them it goes away.

[FakeNoose]

16. Wow that's a new one on me

Thanks for the tip! I don't get sore throats very often, but when I do, it almost always turns into a cold.

I usually have cayenne pepper on hand, so I need to remember that one.

Thanks friend, wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Wicked Blue]

23. I use cayenne pepper in a tea mix for bad coughs

1 black teabag
1 peppermint teabag
pinch of cayenne pepper
honey
lemon juice

Put all of this into a small teapot and fill it with boiling water.
Let it steep for a few minutes, remove the teabags and drink it hot.

You can adjust the cayenne, honey and lemon to your taste.

[robbob]

26. I make a hot lemon drink with cayenne pepper

Lemon juice, fresh squeezed, cayenne pepper and honey or maple syrup with boiling water. Don’t skimp on the cayenne. It’s delicious and you can feel the spicy burn.

[smirkymonkey]

50. Yes! This works well!

I used to buy it pre-made in NYC from a juice bar. It was called "the killer". I think it might have had ginger in it as well.

[Maggiemayhem]

31. Were you positive for strep in the prior instances?

Strep is bacterial and should take antibiotics.

[multigraincracker]

33. Back in the 60s.

I remember when I was about 14 and went to the doc for a soar throat. The doc did a culture and gave me antibiotic and sent me home. A few days later I got a letter from him saying I had what might be rheumatic fever. Went back and was ok. Spent a few days thinking I was going to die. Sending a letter was a terrible thing to do.

[Rebl2]

44. Was treated

for rheumatic fever with penicillin for several months in the late 60’s by my pediatrician. Treatment wasn’t working so he sent me to other doctors (I was nine so don’t remember what type of dr.). Ends up I had rheumatoid arthritis.

[haele]

40. Family recipe for cough and sore throat

Heat 1 cup water, juice and peel of one lemon and 1/2 cup honey to almost boiling.
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. If there's also a fever, add 1 tablespoon dried ginger or a knuckle (about 1 inch) of peeled fresh ginger. simmer until reduced by 1/3 to make a simple syrup. Strain cooled syrup into a jar and keep cool for up to 2 weeks.

To use as needed- mix 1/4 cup syrup with 1/4 cup warm water (about 105 - 110 degrees, temperature should be same as needed to start yeast); add 1 teaspoon more honey for a bad sore throat. If patient also has gassy or upset stomach, add three dashes of herbal bitters.
Drink slowly.

Now, I did omit one ingredient - there was 3 drops syrup of coca or codine that was supposed to be added after mixing the simple syrup and the warm water. I don't think that's something that can be procured nowadays...

BTW, Great-great Grandma was a midwife in the 1880's. I've come across plaster and cordial recipes for all sorts of ills.

Haele

[question everything]

42. I have been doing this with lemon juice, my mom started when I was a child

calming and providing beneficial vitamin C.

Get well.

[Arger68]

3. I have a cold also.

All three vaccinations, went in and got tested and it came back negative. I had a cold about a month ago too and tested negative for that one too. I didn't have any problems from the vax either, except my shoulder seemed to hurt more each time.

[multigraincracker]

5. Which test did you get?

Not sure about getting tested. Did look up symptoms for the new strain and they are exactly like what I have.

[Arger68]

8. I don't know for sure.

Whatever the Mayo clinic has since that's our local provider.

[Ms. Toad]

63. Don't even bother with a rapid (antigen) test.

My daughter's antigen was negative, but her PCR positive.

We now think it likely that I had it first, and gave it to her. Even though I had 3 negative rapid tests AND a negative PCR test at the peak of my symptoms.

Our symptoms were identical (scratchy throat + immediate bronchial cough). Hers were worse.

Get tested. Isolate.

[Tommy Carcetti]

6. Do you have access to a test? nt

[multigraincracker]

9. I'm sure I could get one, just not sure which is the most accurate and

it wouldn't change anything I'm doing now. For the last 2 years I've never had, even the hint of a cold or the flu.
I mask up and stay away from crowd. Only go to the store. I'd say pretty careful but not perfect.

[Tommy Carcetti]

12. Probably would help to know one way or another.

I’m like you, I haven’t gotten colds or flus recently. Vaxxed, boosted and did take all the normal precautions.

Ended up with a case last month. Thankfully it was extremely mild but I wanted to make sure to protect those around me.

Still…if you don’t have it, it’s better not to have it.

Rapid tests are pretty good. PCRs are even better but you have to wait in lines for those.

I would get some definitive word one way or another if I were you.

[markie]

7. get well soon!!

sounds similar to my covid symptoms, same age, quadrupled vaxxed... my daughter has it at same time, she's in her 30's, vaxxed and she was/is really sick! (getting better) Go figure

rest, hydrate, etc., etc

[doc03]

10. I have had the exact same symptoms for a few days. I have had all my shots and booster. Friday I

bought the in-home test at Kroger and it was negative. Cayenne pepper never heard of that. What is netti pot up the nose
sounds painful?

[multigraincracker]

13. Just a little saline solution you lean back and

let it drip up your nose. No pain and great for the sinus.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=netti+pot&gclid=CjwKCAiArOqOBhBmEiwAsgeLmedpPbsdrO4z1MQUvMw8ByJAVgdSn6KAmfounpAFP_0cAsTreQrY5RoCbMEQAvD_BwE&hvadid=177767761349&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9017231&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2443232309736597744&hvtargid=kwd-661639669&hydadcr=4020_9600073&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_4ivriwej0m_e

[doc03]

17. My mom used to put a bit of Vicks Vapo Rub in my nose and on my chest or a vaporizer.

I can't stand that odor to this day. I use cayenne pepper about every day
Frank's Red Hot.

[electric_blue68]

58. Oh, ha... I remember our vaporizer...

Haven't thought if that in decades!

Later '50's, '60s we had a glass vaporizer sitting in a metal frame, at top the cap with place for med, hole to put in directional tube, heater, plug in for heating up water.

[mitch96]

36. I just use a straw. Dip the straw in the saline solution, hold your finger over the other end

this will hold the saline in the straw. Tip your head back, put the tip of the straw in your nostril and release your finger holding the liquid in the straw. The saline will flow into your sinus. Make sure you don't use too much liquid the first time as it could be startling..
easy peasy, ymmv
m

[MiHale]

11. Take care mcg...get better soon...

I’ve wondered the same thing about the reaction to the shot, neither my wife or I had any reactions to any of the 3 shots, it did cross our minds. We are on a myriad of natural antibiotics and antivirals, kinda wondered if those buffered the effects.

[multigraincracker]

14. Two days ago I ran 5 miles.

The day before I walked 3 miles and part of it backwards and the day before that I ran 4 miles. I'm addicted to it.
I did get a pacemaker one year ago and the doc said to please keep running.

[MiHale]

22. Last thing my doctor told me was "walk,walk,walk"...

after my bypass surgery.
I did and walked myself out of congestive heart failure.

[electric_blue68]

55. Woah, how is that even possible to reverse CHF?!

[chia]

15. I had similar last Mon., scratchy, burny throat and little bit of runny nose. On day 3, Wed.,

went for a PCR Covid test. Came back negative yesterday. I know of several other people with similar symptoms. In another era I would've assumed a mild cold that I fought off. These days I couldn't be sure, and didn't want to take any risk I could pass it on, so stayed home until I found out, especially since Omicron appears to focus on nose and throat.

Kind of an interesting little virus, not much to it and yet now it's settled a bit in my bronchial tubes. It's not done with me yet, but I have the relief it's not Covid.

[multigraincracker]

19. Strange to look up symptoms of it.

Sounds like just what I have. Then there seems to be lots of false negative on the test.
Good luck and hope it helps with our general immunity.

[chia]

21. Haven't heard there's an issue w/false neg on a PCR, but can happen on an at home test. I had a PCR

test so I'm confident in the result. Have you heard of false negatives on PCRs?

[luvtheGWN]

32. PCR tests are pretty reliable.

The rapid tests are not. However, if you use the rapid test, be sure to swab your nose AND your throat.

[Shrek]

18. I tested positive but my symptoms were quite mild

And lasted for only half a day or so.

I've had colds that were a lot worse and lasted longer.

[multigraincracker]

20. Do you know which test you had?

[Shrek]

24. It's annotated in my online patient records

"This test was performed using the Sofia 2 SARS Antigen FIA test."

Means very little to me, but that's what it says.

[riverbendviewgal]

25. I was sick yesterday.

Tired, sore throat, headache, runny nose,and slight cough. I took tyenol for cold day and nite pill. Drank tea of lemon, ginger, tumeric, honey and pepper. Took a sleeping pill before bed. I feel much better today. Slept 8 hours.

I had no fever.

I had my 3 covid shots and a flu shot.

[Klaralven]

27. A test is useful to satisfy your curiosity or to change your behavior

If you aren't going to use the results to change your behavior, then it's $25 to satisfy your curiosity.

[Ms. Toad]

64. Pretty sure there are free tests everywhere -

at least in the US.

I've only paid for a test when I was not comfortable teaching without having a negative test after exposure - and I didn't have any remaining free tests distributed through the health department of public library.

[róisín_dubh]

28. Feel better!

I love cayenne, honey, lemon and ginger mixed in hot water

[samnsara]

38. do you drink that or gargle it?

[Farmer-Rick]

29. I have all those symptoms

Except the fever. I bought a bunch of COVID tests before Christmas. I used a couple. They were negative. I used the Flowflex rapid Antigen tests.

I always have weird allergies so unless I get a fever, I'm going to take antihistamines and keep going.

Hope you stay well. Where do you think you were exposed?

[samnsara]

39. same here..all my allergies have the same symptoms of the virus

[Maru Kitteh]

62. You should get a PCR test in the community. You could be spreading

Omicron COVID very easily, because Omicron is not showing up all the time on rapid antigen tests.

You could be hurting people by assuming it's just allergies and "keep going." That's an assumption that has the potential to be quite dangerous to others.

[Farmer-Rick]

76. I did 2 tests 5 days apart. Both negative

And my "symptoms" were getting better not worse.

From the website.

At-home antigen tests are quite accurate, especially if you have symptoms,” Hafer says. Antigen tests are more likely to return a false negative if you're infected but you don't yet have symptoms. That's because they might not be able to pick up the low viral load of an early or waning COVID-19 infection.

It is not an assumption if I have tested twice. And where am I spreading this to???????? I live alone on a 14 acre farm that is currently on winter hiatus. And I wear mask when I do curbside pickup.

And if it was Covid then everyone start taking antihistamines because as soon as I started taking them, I felt better.

[Maru Kitteh]

78. Omicron is really quite different. We don't understand very well yet why

but some people with an Omicron infection never seem to light up an anterior nare antigen test. Also, there's nothing magical about antihistamines that would make them act differently in your body with or without COVID.

I'm fully aware you are going to do whatever you are going to do. I deal with this every day of my working life. About 80% of the people I test will tell me with conviction "It's just a cold. It's just my usual allergies." I can't make anyone go the extra yard to do what it takes to ensure everyone's safety. What I can do is speak up, so I do.

[Farmer-Rick]

82. Of course there is nothing magical about antihistamines

I was being facetious. If they work it is more likely it was an allergy.

You know nothing of my living situation. You have no idea how I live. I'll bet you I'll be the last man on earth to catch COVID because I am so isolated. And when dealing with some of you people I am so glad I have no contact.

[Hortensis]

30. Sounds good, Multi. Stay proactive of course.

After you're better you might get tested for antibodies and revaccinated if appropriate. It's a killer, and at your age after all. Same here, btw.

[NoMoreRepugs]

34. As a fellow 72 year old I send you some geezer good karma.

[multigraincracker]

35. I have a great doctor and

I'll call her office tomorrow and take her advice.

Thank you everyone for the input.

[samnsara]

37. hubby had the same symptoms so we went to covid clinic and got tested..

..they told him the results would be here by wednesday. Normally that could be ok and just do as you did and go home isolate as if test was positive. We never go anywhere anyway...but we have company coming this weekend so we couldnt wait for the results. Couldnt find a home test anywhere in town and finally located a pharmacy who administers FREE rapid tests in the car. We got the results in an hour..positive. Both of us will isolate for 5 days. as per the instructions that came with the diagnosis...hubby stays upstairs.

I personally know 9 people.. all vaxxed and boosted..with Covid ( or omi..same crappy virus). Hubby is a pharmacist and is really into washing and masking etc..so if he can get it anyone can. I believe we will ALL get it eventually.. and it will be the dying vs the vaxxed.

Neither of my neighbors are vaxxed or wear masks. Hubby was around them this week plowing the snow from our driveway..now hes gotta call them and tell them hes got covid. I wonder if this will change their mind about getting vaxxed or if they will just blow it off as hysteria. Too bad cuz they are actually nice folks. Hate to lose them.

[weissmam]

41. could also be a mild cold

cold are still around

[SCantiGOP]

43. My 75 year old brother had Omicron last week

Main symptom was scratchy sore throat, but not coughing up anything. He tested positive.
Good news is, he said that if he hadn’t seen any news for the last two years he would have just thought that he had fought off a mild cold after 3-4 days.
Anyone who will have symptoms that mild will be better off catching it. I’ve read that an omicron case gives some immunity for the much more serious Delta.

[Tommy Carcetti]

46. I didn't cough until the end of my 10 days.

Worst symptom I had was a slight mucus throat and some mild sinus pressure.

Then when I was no longer contagious, I began to have some coughing spells at night.

That lasted for 4-5 days.

[left-of-center2012]

45. "usual temp is around 96"

Mine hovers around 97 to 97.4

[Tommy Carcetti]

51. I usually am in the 97 range as well.

Day before I tested positive I was in the 98s.

No chills, night sweats or aches though.

[left-of-center2012]

47. Five members of my family tested positive for this new 'variant' COVID

All had what they described as flu-like symptoms and had to quarantine for 10 days.
Got an email today that they have now tested negative.

All had been vaccinated and boosted, wear masks, etc.

They all live in OH.
I'm in N.M.

[LuckyCharms]

52. Please feel better soon!

[634-5789]

54. Illinois here...

Winter dryness playing havoc with us! New humidifier, going through about 4 gallons of water a day! Yep, dry / runny nose, sinus probs, et. Can't be covid, We are HOME .

[multigraincracker]

56. I went thru 2 years without a sniffle.

Man on the tv said this one is going to get everyone.

[Iris]

60. I had a breakthrough case with symptoms much like you are describing

My first reaction was confusion and then I realized it's because I wasn't used to having sniffles or sore throat after the past 2 years in masks!

I did finally test positive 3 days after symptoms started. Cancelled plans with my family for Christmas but recovered fairly quickly. So grateful for the 3 vaccines and the fact that Omicron seems to stop at the bronchial tubes -doesn't go into the lungs. I'm back to regular activities and even started swimming again, which I haven't done much of since 2020.

[634-5789]

65. Man on the TV is RIGHT!

[Maru Kitteh]

75. I do hope you'll go get a PCR test in the community tomorrow.

It may prove important for your medical record and it's for sure important for your community to count as many cases as we can. It's hard to get an accurate gauge on the amount of virus in the community with so many people dismissing the importance, blowing off testing, going to work sick without testing - all of those kinds of things.

When and where you are able, encourage others to do the same. We all need to do this together.

[multigraincracker]

77. Thanks.

That’s the plan.

[Maru Kitteh]

80. Oh no - *Thank YOU* and best wishes for your health.

I hope you just have some ordinary funk and it passes by quickly like a mild spring wind.

[electric_blue68]

59. Get alllll better, mgc. And...

thanks for the cayenne trip. Good to know for future.

I have gotten rare sinus "cods". They used to be semi frequent along with a cold here and therein my teens - early 30's till learned various things listed below as I added these over several years cut it down to an infrequent once around every ?9 - 18 months.

Two to Five grams of Vit C at start of symptoms. That's stopped most.

I've used steaming I'd throw 2 Halls strongest Mentho-lyptus cough drops in. 👍

Plus also have had Boiron homeopathic tabs for it.. Really helps cut symptoms, and length of it, too

[ProfessorGAC]

61. Happened To Me, Too!

I tested negative both at home & at the doctor.
But, unlike you, I had a rough cold.
One of the worst I've ever had. 16 days to get over it fully.
I had the fever, sore throat (but just for a couple days), major drippiness, cough, but not dry.
Took 2 weeks to dry out.
I'd think it was COVID with a false negative, but my wife got nothing at all.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

66. Sound like me now. What did you take? I need

To fly back home but afraid I won't be able to cough like I need to on the plane

Have tested negative for at least two or three weeks, serially testing

Worst cold/flu I have ever had. Feels like you're never going to get better.

What did your doctor tell you to do? I saw a doctor online who said to take Benadryl for 7 days and then Claritin. Almost like he was treating it like an allergy versus anything else. Other recommendations were gargle with salt water, take vitamin c & d and zinc. Exercise 15 minutes a day.

[ProfessorGAC]

70. OTC

I started on generic benadryl. That helped clear the drainage going backward. Dried me out pretty well.
Later, I used the store brand of dayquil. Has the decongestant, expectorant & NSAID in a liquid.
Kept me from being super congested & kept my cough productive. I could feel the stuff in the bronchial tubes moving, like it needs to.
Other than that, nothing I don't take every day.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

73. Thanks.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

67. PS it's like the cold or flu or whatever is worse than omicron

Which is hugely ironic

[ProfessorGAC]

68. Yes, Indeed

It still might have been omicron. While I tested negative twice, it was the same test. Just that I ran one, and the clinic's tech ran the other.
My wife not getting anything is a contraindication, but maybe her vax made her even less susceptible, and she didn't get it, or was asymptomatic.
Who knows? No way to know now!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

69. What treatment did doc give you?

[malaise]

72. 1/2 teaspoon of menthol crystals in a bowl of boiling water

With a towel over my head and the bowl for three ten minute periods,
Get well soon

[Laura PourMeADrink]

74. Girl! You think they sell menthol crystals here? We only get to pick from

Conglomerates - big major drug companies . Do they have good homeopathic medicine in Jamaica?

[malaise]

81. It's not bad here at all

We can find menthol crystals in any pharmacy.
Went to Port Royal yesterday for a late lunch, and saw a roadside vendor selling ganja honey and ganja wine. We did laugh

[iemanja]

79. I suggest you get a COVID test

It's important to know whether you have it.

[multigraincracker]

84. Tomorrow at 7:30 am

Just to find out.

tsk

[iemanja]

86. Me too

tomorrow at 2:30 pm.

[ecstatic]

83. I think you're taking the right approach

Focus on treating the symptoms and isolating, and hopefully you also have a pulse oximeter as well to monitor oxygen levels. I bought mine from Walgreens but Amazon has it as well.

If you're really curious and want confirmation of what you have then you should probably do drive-thru testing. The at home rapid tests haven't been accurate with regard to detecting omicron.

[haele]

87. Waiting on a PCR saliva test (from Thursday)

Home test showed negative, but went to the drive-,through COVID test (waited 2 hours) for the test.
No fever, persistent cough, occasional runny nose, tired, and woogie tummy.

May be change of weather plus the healing ulcer I got from too many NSAIDs six months ago, may be just a usual seasonal cold, or may be the constant screaming agony of waiting on knee surgery without sufficient pain treatment other than Ice and OTC Tylenol while the ulcer and anemia sort themselves out as I'm the only driver in this family for the next 60 days until (crossing fingers), Laz is cleared to drive to drive again.

Vaxxed, boosted, and working from home. Just waiting on the County Lab contractor for the results.

Haele