My 1st Dive Trip being ruined by a Cold!

[guymenton]

I'm sorry, I'm just here to vent. Just got certified a month ago in preparation for my 1st Hawaiia trip this Monday, and I get hit with a cold a week before! P*ssing me off, cause this is my 1st real vacation, 1st time to Hawaii, and 1st non-local place I get to dive after being certified. Socked away a lot of money for this dream trip, all to be ruined by a bug that won't leave my system! Dammit...I came to Hawaii to dive, not to get stuck doing the touristy stuff! Any miracle remedies folks suggest that will work before my plane leaves Monday?!? I'm desperate here.

 

[JustinW]

I came to Hawaii to dive, not to get stuck doing the touristy stuff!

sorry, i just thought that line was amusing, as if diving ins't also "touristy." Anyhow, in all seriousness, try some nasal decongestant, I take benedryl and then a nasal spray like afrin. This clears out all the stuff that prevents me from clearing. Maybe it will work for you, hope you get this in time.

 

[guymenton]

Hahaha...yeah, good point. Thanks for the advice. My sinuses are fine, no congestion. Just a cough that won't quit -- you think it's OK to dive as long as my sinuses are clear?

sorry, i just thought that line was amusing, as if diving ins't also "touristy." Anyhow, in all seriousness, try some nasal decongestant, I take benedryl and then a nasal spray like afrin. This clears out all the stuff that prevents me from clearing. Maybe it will work for you, hope you get this in time.

 

[TX101]

Hahaha...yeah, good point. Thanks for the advice. My sinuses are fine, no congestion. Just a cough that won't quit -- you think it's OK to dive as long as my sinuses are clear?

Firstly, I'd load up on vitamin C - at least 1000mg/day, maybe even 2000. It work for me...

About the sinus question.. If your sinuses are *truely* clear, then I personally would dive...

this is becuase:
- Under normal conditions I can equalise by moving my tounge (seriously!)
- I'm a little more experienced - ie. I don't think I'd have a problem coughing into a reg underwater.
- Cottonmouth/drymouth dosen't bother me.
- I'm a little less risk-adverse than most of scubaboard

Most of scubaboard would say you are crazy to dive...

Are you bringing a buddy? because your decision could affect them too..

 

[underwater daphne]

soup, fluids like tea, loads of vitamins and rest. try overdosing on that for the next few days before you go.

 

[Wildcard]

If you can clear your ears, then try some shallow stuff and see how you do. The good news is that airfare from CA to HI is not that bad right now. Come on back for a long weekend if you can't do it this time. Good luck! This is a great dive location.

 

[Xanthro]

Take massive vitamin C, drink lots of water, and get lots of rest, and if you don't get drowsy, take Dayquil.

Colds usually only last a week, so you should be mostly over it by your trip anyway. You won't likely be able to dive first day because of the time change, and unless you already have boat trips planned, they could be full on your second day.

You'll likely be over your cold before the trip is over.

Before I went, I felt just slightly under the weather, and actually had a sore throat when we landed, likely from the airline air. I was fine for diving.

Xanthro