I worked in cubeland too for just a short while after my office was remodeled. Cold's and flu's were passed around like crazy. I found a new job. But before that, I did spray Lysol on my area only and I got ripped by a coworker that it set off her asthma. I just waited to spray every day after she left. I never got sick, but a lot of other people sure did.

Here's a good article on natural remedies/immune boosters.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/06/natural-cold-remedies.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art2&utm_campaign=20170206Z1&et_cid=DM133145&et_rid=1874520170

I myself have used zycam at the first hint of a cold. It has zinc and vit. C I think.

We keep Ziacam and zinc lozenges on hand and whatever is left over from the last cold. Each illness is different and needs different meds. We don't get sick with colds and flus a whole lot either. We have allergies. Zyrtec and Chlortabs work best for us.

I try to keep my immune system healthy, so we eat "right" and also take probiotics to bolster the immune. If we do feel the first twinges of a stuff head and/or sore throat, I am a big believer in 1/2 tsp of raw organic honey and a 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, 3 to 4 times a day. Both items have antibiotic properties and they really do work. If the cold/flu do hit, I add oil of oregano caps to the mix. Works like a charm. The OTC stuff just make me feel even worse than the natural remedy.

Dad came down with a nasty cold in January, gave him the honey and cinnamon and it was gone in 3 days. I made a believer out of him.

I posted on the other thread. I thought my post had disappeared.

Something for sore throat

nighttime cough suppressant

orange juice and plenty of water

i never know if I have flu (guess not since I get a shot) or a cold or a sinus infection. Thankfully never lasts long.

Honey and Lemons are a must and some Mullens tea for anything upper respiratory. Usually a cold and sinus pill of some sort.

A neti pot, bone broth and lots of other liquids (no sugar!)

I haven't been sick in literally years. The last thing I remember taking was Contact. I don't even know if they make that any more. The last time I took it was in the '70's.

I like the old-fashion treatments. Whiskey. Bourbon. I make sure that they are not out-of-date by continuing to restock them. It works.

Now, if could ever destroy the things that are attacking my jaw. I have been told it is arthritis; but one MD said no. It hurts and the booze doesn't help.

I don't really do OTC meds, never have, and I've never understood why people would use them. If anyone has a fever, it is treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Severe coughing is treated with warm tea with honey and lemon or vitamin C drops, I don't even buy cough drops. I don't carry or use allergy medications of any kind.

Rest, warm baths, soft foods and lots of fluids is how basically every illness is treated at my house.

One of my kids doctors seems to think it is bizarre that no one in my family has allergies; I can't tell if that is really that rare or if people tend to over-medicate themselves all the time to the point of being convinced they need these treatments.

As far as the new job and preventing illness, the number one best thing to do is to wash your hands like people in the medical field do. Wash after using the restroom of course but, the most important is to wash before you touch your face or eat anything. Eyes, nose and mouth are the primary entry points for viruses.

I always have my little winter stash just in case ! I have cough drops, cough medicine, throat spray ,small cans of pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and of course Vernors. Also have a couple cans of some kind of chicken soup. My neighbor called me Saturday sounding terrible, asking what she should buy for her sore throat. She could hardly talk so gathered what I had here and took it to her. She sound much better today!

They had piles of cold/flu medicine at Dollar tree so I stocked up. Theraflu, mucinex and more. Can't beat $1. when your sick you don't want to shop. I also keep gingerale, soups, an can fruits on hand. Also those sport drinks with the electrolytes

Jim-1 You might ask your dentist about the pain in you jaw . There are a number of dental issues that will cause discomfort. Some are easily fixed with bite adjustment. If you have a clenching and grinding habit while you sleep, or when awake it will cause jaw pain. A dentist can usually diagnois the problem beyond arthritis.

I agree. Jim-1, did they take x-rays? A dentist may know more than a general practice MD about your jaw. It could be a tooth infection. I had one last year and a whole side of my face swelled up. Felt better after the abscessed tooth was pulled.

And I have to comment on your old fashioned remedy--my Mom always gave me hot toddies when I was sick as a kid--tea, whiskey, lemon, and honey. Really helped me sleep. That was the '60's; I doubt most parents do that now. But that was usually after I had been to the Dr. for a pain-in-the-butt penicillin shot. Do they even use that anymore?