TRUCKER'S TIPS

[Roadhog]

Driving Through The Cold/Flu Season
For OTR Trucker’s, it’s not like you can simply call in sick. Quite often we cannot let a cold, or the flu, keep us from getting that load delivered. There is no cure for the common cold. Getting a yearly flu shot in the early Fall, will help, control the severity of a flu virus, if you catch it, but it also will not prevent you from getting sick.

I stock my truck with plenty of over the counter relief products. They won’t fight a cold virus, but many of these products will do a good job of suppressing the annoying symptoms. You’ll need remedies, which contain antihistamines and a pain reliever. Some nighttime medicines will help you get a good night’s sleep, so you are not up coughing. These may have alcohol to aid in sleep. Don’t take these while on-duty. Also, some over-the-counter remedies can dangerously interact with prescription drugs. Look closely at the labels.

My personal favorites are Zicam, and TheraFlu severe cold formulas, or Flu remedies. I like the ones that dissolve in hot water, which seems to immediately soothe my throat, and give me a sense of comfort. I keep both daytime and nighttime formulas. Those nighttime formulas, you will need to help you sleep, which is a key ingredient to ever beating a cold or flu. They must not be used during duty, as it will make you more fatigued by fighting drowsiness.

Another favorite is a hand sanitizer. I use Purell, but there are many brands available. They are a liquid gel you place a dab on your hand and rub your hands as if washing, and the formula evaporates and kills 99.99% of the common germs and viruses that cause you to feel sick. It comes in a small liquid soap style bottle. As an EMT, we have used these for years, as do all Hospital and Health Care personnel. You can’t always wash your hands, but keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer in your truck will help instantly kill off any germs you may pick up at the fuel counter.

Colds are from viruses. A bad cold can sometimes bring on a bacterial infection, in your lungs. If that happens, you will then need antibiotics, which must be prescribed by your Doctor. So if you get a cold that does not run its normal course and lingering symptoms point to a bacterial infection, you have to see a Doctor, or things can get really bad, and you will risk bronchitis, even pneumonia.

Some people look for certain products, which they feel help with a cold. Such as, Echinacea, Zinc tablets, vitimin C, Chicken soup, and etc.

Antibiotics attack infections, whereas, Echinacea appears to prevent infections. It is not effective in treating colds once they have fully begun. It is available over-the-counter in pill form.
Zinc is often used in small doses at the earliest sign of a cold, but it is inconclusive as to whether zinc actually works. High dosage of zinc is toxic however, and should not be taken for more than a week. The common dose is approximately 20 mg every two hours, at the earliest sign of a cold.
Vitimin C is a good choice, especially if taken with citrus bioflavonoids, which are the natural pigments in fruits and vegetables. Doses of 1,000 mg three times a day will help moderate cold symptoms. Any more than this is not necessary.
Chicken soup will soothe and irritated throat, and temporarily relieve congestion, and allow you to sleep better. It has no medicinal benefit, but does make one feel better, and offers nourishment, to aid the body’s defense mechanisms.

Ease up on caffinated beverages. I’m not saying no to caffeine drinks, but use them in more moderation during the cold/flu season. Hot beverages are nice to warm you, and offer the placebo effect of “feeling better.” Drink lots of water.

What causes Colds?
A cold virus simply put. You pick up these viruses by coming into contact in numerous ways. Transmitting the virus with your hands by touching something which has the virus, or airborne, being in the vicinity of someone who openly coughs or sneezes. To minimize the risk of infection, wash your hands frequently with soap and keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes. If symptoms last longer than 10 days to three weeks or are accompanied by high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, seek medical help.

Fatigue, stress or another illness, will lower your immune system. Truckers during the cold/flu season need to be especially aware of the dangers of infection, and if infected, spreading it on to others. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. This time of year, you need to concern yourself with proper personal care, as you schedule your daily routine, as well as be considerate of others. Drink plenty of fluids, eat well, sleep well, and take the most care in managing that daily stress. Stress plays a bigger role upon our health than we sometimes realize. You cannot completely avoid the viruses, but you can keep your immune system higher, and take more care in your personal health. Walk more. Exercise is very important as a Trucker. I know it’s miserable outside, but walking that extra ¼ to ½ mile in a day, will pay off in vitality. These are the things we must think about, as our busy schedules will have us forget. Don’t wait for the cold to remind you. Plan to stay healthy, and Happy Trails.

[mommee]

You are a wise man Roadhog. I have let my cough/cold go for over a month . After finally seeing a doctor in the ER and much yelling from my husband, I have bronchitis. Don't ignore those symptoms!!!

[TomB985]

Very good information, roadhog, thanks!

[farder]

Lots of those cold medicines such as TheraFlu as you mentioned contain Pseudoephedrine which will make you test positive for methamphetamine if you are subject to a "random" drug test or heaven forbid get in an accident.

Also, those drugs will have a negative effect on medicines used to control high blood pressure. Just because it's sold over the counter doesn't mean it's "good" for you or that you should not consult a physician that is knowledgeable in FMCSA rules first.

[Roadhog]

Thank you farder, good points to make.

If this part of the subject is going to be raised, then it requires more discussion. I don't want to get too brief, because this is an important consideration.

Everyone must be responsible for what they take, eat, drink, or otherwise absorb into the body as very important. If you are on prescriptions, you must be certain of what substances you can or cannot use. For instance, taking acetaminophen (pain reliever) in conjunction with alcohol can cause liver damage. You must read the directions given on your medications, as well as listen carefully to the warnings your Doctor or Pharmacist give you. It’s your body, and you need to take care of no.1.

Substances or Conditions which can cause false positives for testing for Amphetamines:

Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, propylephedrine, phenylephrine, or desoxyephedrine
(Nyquil, Contact, Sudafed, Allerest, Tavist-D, Dimetapp, etc)
Phenegan-D, Robitussin Cold and Flu, Vicks Nyquil
Over-the-counter diet aids with phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, Accutrim)
Over-the-counter nasal sprays (Vicks inhaler, Afrin)
Asthma medications (Marax, Bronkaid tablets, Primatine Tablets)
Prescription medications (Amfepramone, Cathne, Etafediabe, Morazone,phendimetrazine, phenmetrazine, benzphetamine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine,dexdenfluramine,Redux, mephentermine, Mesocarb, methoxyphenamine, phentermine,amineptine, Pholedrine, hydroymethamphetamine, Dexedrine, amifepramone, clobenzorex,fenproyorex, mefenorex, fenelylline, Didrex, dextroamphetamine, methphenidate, Ritalin,pemoline, Cylert, selegiline, Deprenyl, Eldepryl, Famprofazone) Kidney infection, kidney disease, Liver disease, and diabetes.

WOW...that's a lot!
It must be noted; prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, pain-relievers, antihistamines, cold-flu-allergy-PMS medications, even Food and beverages can cause false positives when you get down to the basic chemistry levels. Not just in Amphetamine/Methamphitmines screening, but in tests also for Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, LSD, Marijuana, Opiates, PCP, and even alcohol. However, it is the quantity that will trigger you a problem.

The word "positive" or "negative" are the least important items returned by a drug test...the most important information on the test report is the "Quantity Level"...first of all it must reach above the "Cut-Off Level" for the drug being tested for. This cut-off level is a quantity level set by law to determine actual "knowing and wrongful use of controlled substances". If your Quantity Level does not reach above the cut-off level, this is the first indication that there is positively something wrong with your drug test.

If you are testing positive there will be a "Quantity Level" reported in the test. Ask what kind of drug test are they doing? Is it the initial "EMIT" test, or a "GC/MS" Confirmation test? Drug testing technology has improved significantly and False Positives caused by OTC (over-the-counter) medications are now rare, but not impossible. Knowing this, you need to be aware of what to do to avoid trouble. Again, taking care of No.1.

A lesson about cross-reaction. A cross-reaction occurs when a substance is misidentified as a targeted drug/metabolite by a urine test. Such substances are known as cross-reactants.They are usually very similar in chemical structure to a targeted drug/metabolite. As a result, they can be misidentified and cause a positive result. Cross-reactants come in many forms – over-the-counter medications, food items, etc. What makes a substance a cross-reactant is simply the fact that it can be confused with a targeted drug/metabolite. Note however, that cross-reactions have become less common. In the past, the drug testing industry has received bad publicity for high cross-reaction rates. As a result, most manufacturers have made significant improvements. Cross-reactions can still occur. Yet required cutoff concentrations are usually too high to register occasional usage.

Prescription drug users need not be concerned, as long as the prescription was obtained legally. Do not discontinue using legally prescribed medications. Also, administered drugs should not be an issue, as long as you can provide medical documentation if requested. However, everybody should be concerned about cross-reactants, as their use can be difficult to substantiate. In fact, cross-reactants (not legal prescriptions) should always be viewed in the same light as illegal drugs.

Filling out the urine test consent form: Most labs provide a space on their urine test consent form to record your prescriptions. Some use broad enough wording to allow you to also include over-the-counter medications used recently and/or drugs recently administered by a physician.

Upon reviewing a positive test result, the MRO will usually contact you by phone. If you tested positive for a prescription or administered drug, the MRO will request medical documentation. A follow-up test may also be required. In the absence of medical documentation or if you tested positive for an illegal substance, the MRO should determine if a legal cross-reactant was involved. Help him. Begin by insisting that you were drug-free and that the test results must be wrong. You can mention the cross-reactant that you suspect caused the false positive. But avoid sounding too knowledgeable on the subject. Wait to see what the MRO says. He might simply ask for proof that you used the cross-reactant and/or a legitimate purpose for using it. But this is rare, as MRO's are always skeptical about such claims. He should schedule a more thorough follow-up test. If not, insist on it. Initial test results usually identify only the drug category that tests positive (ie. Amphetamines or Barbiturates) – not the specific drug within that drug category. You have the right to know what specific drug caused your positive result. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is about the only method that can pinpoint the specific source of the positive result. Standard testing procedures normally require a follow-up test following any initial positive screening. Though many companies will avoid using GC/MS because it is quite expensive. Unfortunately, it is the only method that can prove your innocence.

[Creek Jackson]

Oh, sorry!! I thought it said TRUCKER TITS! :shock:

[Trukrswyfe]

Oh, sorry!! I thought it said TRUCKER TITS! :shock:

You would, didn't know you swing that way but to each their own. :wink:

RoadHog,

Maybe you should start a thread that is RoadHog's "Informational Tips of the Day"

That way you can keep adding to them and they don't get lost to the thread abyss. Just a thought.

I do have a question what about herbal remedies that might get you into trouble. I hear Goldenseal is a good natural antibiotic however is it used to cover up for other forbidden substances? Will it's presence be an automatic positive?

[Creek Jackson]

Oh, sorry!! I thought it said TRUCKER TITS! :shock:

You would, didn't know you swing that way but to each their own. :wink:

RoadHog,

Maybe you should start a thread that is RoadHog's "Informational Tips of the Day"

That way you can keep adding to them and they don't get lost to the thread abyss. Just a thought.

I do have a question what about herbal remedies that might get you into trouble. I hear Goldenseal is a good natural antibiotic however is it used to cover up for other forbidden substances? Will it's presence be an automatic positive?

It isn't a swinging question! Women truckers have tits too you know. Well some, probably, never mind.

[Roadhog]

Maybe you should start a thread that is RoadHog's "Informational Tips of the Day"

That way you can keep adding to them and they don't get lost to the thread abyss. Just a thought.

I do have a question what about herbal remedies that might get you into trouble. I hear Goldenseal is a good natural antibiotic however is it used to cover up for other forbidden substances? Will it's presence be an automatic positive?

Thanks, but I titled the thread "Trucker's Tips" hoping anyone will feel welcome to post their tips, or comments and opinions. I don't want my own Circus Act. I get in trouble enough as it is. :P

I was going to post a Tip about diesel fuel next. :?

Good threads seem to take on a life of their own, and those are the ones that are interesting, where many others engage.

As to "detox substances"...I would personally never bring them up in any drug screen test. I think those set off alarms more than anything. As I indicated in the above post, you do not want to let on to the MRO (Medical Review Officer) that you are quite knowledgeable about how to beat a drug screen test, or even the inner workings. Act dumb, but play smart.

In other words, if I said I recently ate a lot of poppy seed bagels... that would set up a red flag, not give excuse for my high opiate level.

I get a lot of random drug screen tests. Between trucking and firefighting I go through 2-3 tests a year. I am surprised the rotten meat and garbage I eat hasn't flunked me yet. I also take lots of tylenol as I hurt here and there all the time, and I'm always touching icky stuff.

Post your TIPS ...or TITS... either is good!

[WildK9]

Post your TIPS ...or TITS... either is good!

:shock:

[inmate1577]

Well products like ZiCam should be called ZiScam. They do nothing to prevent, or reduce the symptoms of a cold. If your cold lasts a few days, it was because it was a mild virus and your body was able to fight it off effectively.

Products like these are not FDA approved, are purely therapeutic only and have no real evidence to back up the claim. If you use ZiCam you are probably flushing the cold virus from your nasal passages which in that case spend a $1.00 and buy some saline nasal spray which you can use as much as you like and as often as you like with ZERO side effects or chance of addiction

Also zinc lozenges are absolutely useless because the virus is not in your throat.

The best defense against a virus is vigorous and repeated handwashing and using a ALCOHOL based hand sanitizer if water and soap is not available. Also the baby butt wipes with alcohol are also really good for getting grime off of hands. Now there is a belief that hand sanitizers can cause germs to build up a resistance, but germs cannot build a resistance to a ALCOHOL based hand sanitizer.

[GMAN]

Zinc is supposed to be good for fighting off colds. I have met some who swear by it. I have been told that if you start taking zinc with the first signs of a cold that it will help your body to fight it off.

[Roadhog]

I am not one to fall for product marketing claims. What works for one person, may not work for another, or even be healthy for another. You need to know for yourself what you can use, and find what does work. Everyone has their own health considerations. READ the ingredients, and pay attention to the directions. I mentioned just a couple of MY favorite products. What you choose to take is YOUR decision.

As far as Zicam Cold & Flu... ...I choose it for these active ingredients and I like the soothing hot water beverage method of application;

Acetaminophen (pain reliever/fever reducer): 650.0mg. Chlorpheniramine maleate (antihistamine): 4.0mg.
Dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant): 20.0mg. Phenylephrine HCl (nasal decongestant): 10.0mg.

I also like TheraFlu in place of Zicam at times, and I won't explain why any further. I also like to use Afrin, if I have major sinus congestion. I don't always have cold or flu symptoms, as many of us from Northern Michigan have developed sinus problems. Afrin can only be used 2-3 sprays in each nostril no more than once in 12 hrs. and twice in 24 hrs. But you know what... baby it WORKS for ME, and I give a rats ass if it is right for you.
You need to look at the ingredients, and know if you can or cannot use them, in your own particular health considerations.

As far as FDA approval... I'd be just as happy if they outlawed everything not approved by the FDA. Then we'd have just a few simple choices to make. Forget OTC medications. There are 65 million PRESCRIPTIONS handed out by DOCTORS every year not approved by the FDA.

When I am congested... I just happen to like antihistamines. When I am achy or have a fever, and headaches, I like pain relievers. Call me old fashion...but I like drugs like that. It helps me through my recovery. I never claimed anything I do or take will prevent a cold virus from infecting me. Once I am infected, I have to do a lot more than take a pain reliever, or an antihistamine to battle the virus. Those remedies... home remedies or OTC medications will relieve the symptoms and allow me to feel better. That is all they are for. They do not prevent infection, or cure the infection. I already made the widely accepted claim, "there is no cure for the common cold."

[Trukrswyfe]

Post your TIPS ...or TITS... either is good!

:shock:

I transposed this comment and make it TiTs Tips to which Creek pointed out to me that is nipples. Just thought I would give this tid bit when typing be careful.

Thought I would post an interesting fact about colds.

There are about 2500 various strains of the cold. Once you get on particular strain you will never get that cold again even if someone has it and you kiss them. The older you get, the less colds you get because you have had most of them already. That's why your parents say, look at me, you don't see me ever getting a cold because you need to take better care of yourself. That's because they have already had 2499 strains of the cold already.

They could make a shot that contained all 2500 variations of the cold but it would kill you.

It takes anywhere from 3 to 7 days from when you have contact with another person before you show symptoms of the cold so don't come into work the next day and blame someone.

You only have to be within 15 feet of someone who sneezed a minute ago and is now gone for you to get the cold. The particles float around in the air for a while.

If every person in the world including babies locked themselves in a room alone for 2 weeks without any contact with another human being, the common cold would be wiped from the face of there earth.

Certain tribes in Africa and other countries never had a single cold until an outsider from the U.S. or another country went and visited them!

You can only get a cold from another person....PERIOD.

You can't catch a cold from being outside without enough clothes on.

Some colds that you get only last a few hours. Some can be so serious that you are incapacitated for days!!!

Elderly people can die easily from colds because they are not strong enough to cough up the mucus in their lungs and it turns deadly. One of the best things you can eat when having a cold is REALLY REALLY hot and spicy food. It breaks up every thing in your lungs and passage ways.

Swallowing gum will stick to your ribs too!!! lol

[got mud?]

stress can lower your immune system and make it harder to fight a cold. often times the people that don't get sick tend to be the same people that eat right exercise and learn healthy ways to relieve stress.