Cranberry juice is the answer! It's the xylitol   in it. Scientists said, "No, it doesn't work. Old wives tale!", then, "Yes, it does work but we don't know why", then, "Amazing scientific discovery! Xylitol bonds with bacteria so that they can't bond with the body's cell walls and it's better than trying to kill the bacteria with antibiotics".

Lots of people at my new workplace are going down with either the same or similar. Every time I've felt the tickly throat or my sinuses getting stuffy I have taken half a teaspoon of xylitol in water and sipped slowly, keeping it in my mouth as long as possible before swallowing. Also I have put some in a nasal spray bottle (it previously held Sinex spray) and I use that if it is affecting my sinuses or nose.

So far I am one of only 2 people in my section who haven't had the bug.

And it helps with reducing tooth decay, and stomach bugs, and...and.. I bought a kilo of it at the health food store, which was expensive but Hubby & I only use it when we need it for health things. You can also use cranberry juice and you can get sweets with it in. There's a brand called Extra Drops in Oz, and there is also Extra chewing gum, which is good because the longer you keep the xylitol in your mouth the better it can work on the ear infections and tooth decay.

Sorry to hear you are ill, Slag. Look after yourself, there's some good advice in this thread, but also it's not too late to dose up with xylitol.

Helen