flight sprays??

[britannia74]

I always seem to get a cold after flying - can anyone recommend any sprays or nasal gels they have tried that helps prevent them.
Have looked on net but everything seems to be available in the US but nowhere else!!
many thanks
Michelle...........

[ilovemarkb]

vicks first defence!!!!!!!!!!! not sure if it works though

[weeal]

echinacea (sp) boosts the immune system and its herbal you should prob take some a couple of weeks before flying to keep your immunity up

[Jugglering]

I use Vick's First Defence as well - it seems to work for me ! It is slightly cheaper in Lidl than elsewhere (but not a lot) or you can buy it in most of the supermarkets as well as Boots etc.

[Clanad]

The main problem that contributes to your cold catching is the extremely dry air in pressurized aircraft. This dries out the sinuses and makes one more susceptible to infection by viruses. The key is keeping the sinuses hydrated. As a pilot for many years and with this being a common affliction among those of us who spend hours in the dry environment, I'm never very far away from a small, inexpensive bottle of saline solution that is sprayed into both nostrils at least once per hour. In the c0ckpit, there's a lot of up-sniffing to get the moisture into all the sinus cavities. You can do the same thing in the lavatory. A brand name I use is Ocean's, but I'm sure there are several over the counter solutions. It's not the typical nasal spray in that it has no medication that can cause rebound effect. Give it a try next time... can't hurt! Best of luck!

[tiggerblue10]

I've used Vicks First Defence and it has worked. I was so prone to getting colds and flu a few times each year but since I tried it it cleared it before it even started.

[LoftyLottie]

Reading Clanad's answer, it reminded me that my Grandfather used to 'sniff'' a saline solution that he made himself from salt and water, at the first sign of a cold or sinus trouble. It worked!

Therefore, it would probably be a cheap idea to make your own spray up and it wouldn't hurt you.

[britannia74]

A big thank-you for all your replies - I shall certainly look some of these up and hopefully have a cold free holiday!!!