You can't breathe, your head throbs and every time you swallow it feels like you're gulping fire. It's not a hangover. it's worse. The first damn cold of the year, and the timing couldn't be worse. Student Health is not an option, unless you can muster the strength to trudge to 35th and Market and sit for three hours in Germ Central (only to be prescribed Sudafed). Pick up some supplies at FroGro or CVS and try these magic remedies. You'll be back in action by next Copa Wednesday.
IT'S (NOT) SUPPOSED TO HURT
For a painful sore throat, use a basic gargle made from a teaspoon of salt dissolved in some warm water four times a day. If your throat is more itchy than sore, a thicker gargle is necessary: take a teaspoon of honey mixed with hot water and a tablespoon of lemon juice or, if you can find them, raspberry leaves. Add ginger to the mix for a little something extra; it acts as an anti-inflammatory. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm before you gargle with it. A tea with tannin in it will also do the trick.
BLOW
If your nose is irritated from being That Guy who gets up every 10 minutes in the middle of class to blow his nose, put a salve with menthol, eucalyptus or camphor right under your nose. These will open your breathing passages and numb any painful rawness around the area. Something like Vicks VapoRub is easy to find at any drugstore or pharmacy and will work just as well. Low on supplies and need a quick fix? Rub some lip balm on to prevent chapping.
FIRE AND ICE
Hot and cold packs are a great way to relieve sinus symptoms. You can score them at CVS or make your own with basic supplies. To make a hot pack, put a damp washcloth into the microwave for 55 seconds. If you want a cold pack, try using a small bag of frozen vegetables (peas work well for this, since they'll mold to your face). Place your homemade or store-bought cold packs right around your affected sinuses.
PILLOW TALK
When you sleep, prop your head up with an extra pillow to drain your sinuses. If the extra height bothers you, try putting the extra pillow between your mattress and bed frame. If you've got an egg crate or mattress topper, tuck the extra pillow under that to really feel the difference. A forty-five degree angle is ideal, but if your math skills are less than sharp, no worries - just estimate it.
A FEVER YOU CAN SWEAT OUT
Sweating out a fever can actually help your body fight infection by enlisting your immune system for help and preventing viruses and bacteria from growing. For those wanting a chemical cure, skip the Aspirin and medicate with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Before you start mixing meds, check with a pharmacist. Your roommate in Nursing does not qualify.
