<p>S just called (the day before he flies across the country for Peabody and BU MM voice auditions) with chills and congestion. He is really scared that he will be too sick tomorrow to go. He is resting and drinking tea etc. and would welcome any advice you have.</p>
<p>Musinex to clear the congestion from the vocal chords is a must, fluid...and plenty of COLDEEZE...or vitamin C and D..it really works shortening the duration of the cold.</p>
<p>My daughter became very sick from a really bad cold two days before she performed Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie in High School and with rest, not speaking, fluids, COLDEEZE and Musinex...She hit those notes!! Good luck..he'll be just fine in a few days...if he takes care of himself.</p>
<p>Isn't this just the worse time of year to have to do auditions? I wish there were an alternative. That being said, I am sorry that this is hitting your son now. The best he can do is treat the symptoms as they come. Flu season seems to just be getting started - at least here in Maryland. Did he get the flu shot? All of my D's colds go right to her chest and the coughing inflames the vocal cords. I think a head cold is easier to manage with OTC meds. I would immediately start with Mucinex to keep the mucous thin. My D has found that steaming and using the neti pot works well for her. She is just getting better from a bout with a chest cold that has gone on for over 3 weeks. </p>
<p>In case it is the flu virus, he will want to see a doctor right away so he can get the medicine for that. Catching it early is key.</p>
<p>Thank you, Jersey Babe! He has to leave on a coast-to-coast flight tomorrow morning for an audition late Friday afternoon. He will have all day Friday to rest. Do you think this is possible?</p>
<p>He should take some sort of decongestant before he flies for the sake of his ear drums. I would also talk to a doctor about that too so he doesn't risk a rupture.</p>
<p>I agree take a decongestant before flying, very important! ( son usually uses clairiton and sometimes real sudafed). Also some ibuprofen before flying is also a good idea. My son has had wonderful results with Zicam swabs and Airborn combo, he can usually "kill" a cold in 3 or 4 days and it's less intense. Although Zicam and Coldeez are both zinc products we have found that the Zicam seems to work better and the swab form is more pleasant that the Coldeez tablets. He also has had great results with the neti-pot and Mucinex. Many vocalist use a personal steamer often before performing, son had one untill he dropped it, now he enjoys a steamy shower with similar results. And of course water, water, water, rest, rest and rest and of course, being quiet. Be sure to avoid throat drops with menthol in them, menthol is very drying. Good Luck!</p>
<p>One warning about the Zicam - overuse has been linked to a loss of the sense of smell.</p>
<p>Zicam. I use it several times a year. I can still have a sense of smell.</p>
<p>I do know some one who had trouble with smell after using Zicam, but they also "over" used it, they used the swabs (or maybe it was the spray form) way to much, as with all
meds, important to follow directions. I noticed when my DH was using it he placed the swab way too far up his nose, you are suposed to place it just inside the nostril, remove then depress the nostril. (sorry, gross, I know)</p>
<p>Even if he is having trouble, DD went to her Peabody audition just after strep throat. They only had her sing a little and used her CD for the rest. They talked to her though and she did the rest of the things. So going is better than not going, even if can't sing much. </p>
<p>Agree with nettie pot, personal steamer, and zicam. But if it is the flu (aches, fever) go now to get the flu meds. They only work if you start them within 48-72 hours. Zicam also only really works if you start it right away and follow the directions.</p>
<p>Nasal irrigation. NeilMed</a> Pharmaceuticals, Makers of Sinus Rinse, NasaFlo Netipot, Nasal Irrigation Sinus Rinse Nasal Wash. Available at Walgreens. It will help to clear out the mucous. Two or three times a day. Make sure you do it at least an hour before he auditions because the water may drain out of the sinus at an inopportune time.</p>
<p>Throat-Coat herbal tea.</p>
<p>You should have son go to the doctor. I know my son cannot take alot of decongestants and otc meds, because of the drying out effects it has on his vocal chords. Moisture is important...drink tons of water and herbal tea. Neti Pot, and a humidifier. Is there any chance of rescheduling?</p>
<p>That being said, my son sang an opera with full blow laryngitis, but did see an ENT, and was on solid vocal rest for 2 days..seems like time will be a factor for your son though. I do wish him luck. So upsetting that this happens to so many during the most important times of the year for them.</p>
<p>Get to his ENT!! If he explains the importance, I would hope that the MD can get him iin on short notice. Does he have a teacher whom he works with regularly? That's the person I'd ask first! Decongestants etc can cause big problems, especially when combined with the dehydrating effects of flying. Airborne (try the Wal Mart brand if the name brand is too awful to stand!) and Halls Immunity Drops are helpful and harmless and Throat Coat Tea is great too- he can take the tea bags on the plane and get hot water from the cabin crew. I've heard good things about Zicam, but my D was reading the ingredients the other day and found that they were almost identical ,except for the cost! He can also take the zinc tabs. Steaming over a hot pot of water or sink, with a towel draped around forming a tent will break up congestion and running a humidifier or vaporizer will keep things loose. There is even a tiny, personal-sized one that travels well; the best one is available at Bed, Bath and Beyond and is really expensive, but will be well worth it,especially for a singer. Please wish him "Good Luck" and as safe trip.</p>
<p>I agree that decongestants are drying but I would still would not let him fly without taking them. Some doctors will tell you not to fly at all with a severe cold. Sometimes you have to choose the lesser of evils. Post nasal drip can really irritate the throat and it can lead to coughing that can damage the cords. I agree that a doctor who understands singing is the best choice.</p>