As we enter another fall, can cold and flu season be far behind? Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract are as much a part of the season as opening night at the Met. While for most a cold is only a nuisance, for the singer it can mean cancelled auditions, missed performances, delayed progress and lost income. And, while conventional cold remedies may help, they also carry side effects with vocal implications: dryness, sedation, fatigue.
So, this year, let’s try to avoid colds! I have not had a cold for years, despite the fact that I treat close to 100 patients a week. And while everyone has his/her own remedy or ritual, the following have some scientific validity, and are recommended.
The best treatment is prevention. The cold virus is spread either by direct contact to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth, or by aerosol droplets through the air.
During the cold season, resolve to wash your hands with soap as frequently as possible. This normally includes before meals and after using the bathroom: Do it also before putting on or adjusting your makeup, and before going to bed. This will minimize the possibility of manually transferring the virus particles to your face. You may wish to carry cleaning wipes with you, and to use them whenever viral inoculation might occur. If you need to shake hands or share tools or utensils with others, do not touch your face before cleaning your hands.
Aerosol spread is more difficult to prevent, especially if you travel by public transportation or spend time in crowded places. Short of wearing a mask, you should consider covering your nose and mouth with a scarf on the bus or subway, to block that unexpected sneeze/shower flying your way.
I also recommend preventive saline irrigation of the nose, using the Neti Pot. This should be done twice a day. Neti Pots are available at most Yoga supply stores, and are inexpensive (15 to 20 dollars). Don’t be sucked into buying more expensive “nasal irrigation systems.” They are more elaborate, more expensive, but no more effective.
Once the virus has landed, how can you prevent the disease? Try to keep your immune system as healthy as possible. Eat healthy, sleep enough, try to minimize physical and psychological stress, both of which render the body more immunologically vulnerable. If there are no contraindications, you should take Vitamin C at a maintenance dose of 1000 mg per day. Since Vitamin C is metabolized in about 4 hours, you may wish to take 500 mgs twice a day. When a cold begins, immediately increase the dose, to 4000 mgs a day in divided doses. Dr. Linus Pauling even suggested 1000 mg per hour. If you go higher than 4000 mg a day, however, be sure you drink lots of water, since the excess Vitamin C can dehydrate you by pulling water out into the kidneys.
At the same time you start the higher dose of Vitamin C, consider using Zinc and Echinacea. Zinc is available as lozenges, or nasal spray. Echinacea can shorten your cold by up to one third. It apparently stimulates white blood cell activity, and increases the body’s production of antiviral substances. For the first two days, take Echinacea 150 mgs six times a day, and after that, take 300 mgs three times a day. Don’t take Echinacea if you have an auto-immune disease or HIV, and when in doubt, check with your physician. Neither Echinacea nor Zinc should be taken as a “preventive,” only when the symptoms start.
On the other hand, you CAN take garlic as a preventive. Garlic has strong anti-microbial effects, as well as anti-inflammatory substances that can decrease the symptoms of a cold. Try 500 mg garlic capsules 3 times a day. Be careful if you take other blood thinning medications, such as aspirin. If any of these remedies causes heartburn, take them with the appropriate antacid or anti-reflux medication.
If, despite all of the above, a cold lays you low, stay with time-honored remedies such as chicken soup, which can be made more effective with hot red pepper. This increases circulation to the mucous membranes, and facilitates the flow of immune cells to the site of infection. And, last but not least, try not to spread the bug to the next unsuspecting singer!
DISCLAIMER: The suggestions given by Dr. Jahn in these columns are for general information only, and not to be construed as specific medical advice or advocating specific treatment, which should be obtained only following a visit and consultation with your own physician.
