I work in a primary school and therefore catch every cold going : (
I caught a particularly nasty one in November last year and as I didn't take any time off to rest, it turned into a chest infection with a painful patch of pleurisy at the bottom of my right lung.

I saw a doctor, had 2 weeks off and took antibiotics... but since then have never really been right. 3 weeks ago I went to Istanbul for a holiday at Easter break and was so ill - I had a deep hacking cough which was making me vomit, coughing up nasty coloured sputum and had lots of pain again in the same right lung patch.

As you can buy antibiotics over the counter there, with no need to visit a doctor, I took myself off to pharmacy and bought some strong amoxcycillin (sp?) It spoilt the holiday a little but I just took it as easy as I could and didn't drink alcohol and tried to rest abit... not easy when you have a friend that wants to see just about everything! ;) (I have been many times before so my need was not as bad) haha...

Anyway after returning home and getting back to work I have been really run down with cracks at the corners of my mouth that, apart from trying most things, won't seem to heal (had them since November) a about of vaginal thrush (which I suppose is due to taking antibiotics) and generally feeling not my usual self. The pain in my right side has settled down abit and I'm no longer using pain killers but it's still there when I have to stretch or pull myself up, or cough or sneeze... or laugh! :) someone suggested it may be muscular, due to the heavy coughing sessions.

Anyway sorry to prattle on... anyone else had anything similar that they just can't seem to shift? And anyone got any tips to build up the immune system fast?

Oh I saw a doctor after I came back from Turkey and she listened to my chest and said it seemed pretty clear and maybe I had got over the worst and was just sore, she said just rest and see if things clear up on their own... well if only! Haha not easy working full time and being a mum and a housekeeper : )

Kelebek:D

Eating healthy and getting proper exercise are a good start.

In today's world, few of us get the proper amount of fresh fruits and vegetables that our bodies need.

I recommend a GOOD multi-vitamin/mineral supplement.

I have been taking a product by Nature Made. They come in daily packs of 6 pills each.
I take a pack with breakfast everyday and have been for the past 15+ years or more.
I rarely get sick, when I do, it doesn't last more than a day or two.

They make a Mens pack, a woman's pack, and the one I take, called Maximum Pack.

They would be a good addition to anyone's diet who does not get the balance of fruits and vegies.

Good Luck and hope you feel better soon!

I agree with progunr
During the cold season I also take 500 mg vitamin C in the morning and again at night.
Also drink lots of orange juice and eat lots of chicken soup.
Some people swear by echinachea, you have to take the C and zinc with it to work properly and some people say you should take it on a 2 week on/2 week off basis.

Thanks both, for your replies, I may try the echinachea - I've heard of this before but had forgotten about it. I bought myself some multi-vitamins a few weeks ago but may have to think about upping my vit c levels and zinc.

I thought about taking a probiotic drink every morning to see if that helps but not sure if they are worth it or not... heard conflicting reports.

Anyway thanks again anf the chicken soup sounds good;)

I agree with progunr too. Eating a healthy diet, exercising and taking a supplement are very important in building a strong immune system. Since you work in a school environment you might find these tips to be helpful too! My Health: Tips To Stay Cold And Flu Free