A common occurrence on coach tours is a cold bug or other ailment that eventually gets around to everybody. Can anyone make recommendations as to what preventative medicines should be purchased before embarking on a coach tour?

We get the nasty bug from airplanes, so here's what we do: <BR>1) Zinc or Vitamin C lozenges (somewhere I read not to mix them) <BR>2) Antibacterial handwipes; waterless antibacterial soap - don't eat anything until you've cleaned your hands; alcohol wipes to clean the armrests, toilets, etc. Clorox now puts out pop-up surface wipes for disinfecting. <BR>3) Salt water spray for your nose (not the 'medicine' nasal spray; plain salt water to keep your nasal passages nice and moist) <BR>4) Lots of water for your insides; try to eat 'live' food (fresh fruits, veggies, local fish and meat)whenever you can (coach tours' meals tend to be 'banquet' food, for the most part). <BR> <BR>

We have had great success with Echinacea <BR>tablets - we take them prior to and during the trip and seem to keep the bugs at bay. Although I must admit on our last trip we were ok until we actually got back home and then they attacked - but that did not seem to matter so much.

Everything that could prevent you catching a cold (not flu) has been tried scientifically, nothing works. <BR> If you find something, you have made your fortune. <BR>Two tips: <BR>1) vitamin C lessens the severity, but doesn't prevent you catching cold. <BR>(according to controlled experiments) <BR> <BR>2)The flu bugs are much more horrible, but you can be vaccinated against them. <BR> These vaccines contain a mixture of the commonest types currently around the world.(not sure if there is much local variation.If not you can get one at home before you travel.) <BR> If you get a flu which is not one of these it is likely to be a recent relation so you will have some degree of protection - less severe illness, better sooner. <BR> I get the flu very easily & have been getting vaccinated every year for the past 5 years, it works for me. <BR> I don't get any reaction to the injection, which uses a thin needle.

Well, after having a week in London ALMOST ruined by a raging fever and sore throat, I always ask my doctor for an all-purpose antibiotic prescription to take along on trips, just in case. (I get it filled here at home.) However, based on my professional expertise in Early Childhood Education, I know that the only proven preventative is one Elvira mentioned: wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. Antibacterial wipes are a good solution for anytime you can't get to actual soap and running water.