Broadcaster Adrian Chiles has shared an extreme cold-avoidance regime he learned from a mezzo-soprano, which he credits with keeping him cold-free all last winter. Chiles, who describes himself as the 'king of the common cold', says his colds are worse than anyone else's, lasting longer and causing more severe symptoms.
The regime, recommended by a famous mezzo-soprano during a TV programme last year, involves applying hand sanitiser every hour throughout winter. Additionally, before any social gathering, Chiles uses two blasts of Vicks First Defence up each nostril, followed by another two blasts after the event.
Chiles admits there are downsides, such as constantly buying and mislaying bottles of First Defence and accidentally sitting on hand gel. However, he considers these minor inconveniences worth the price of avoiding colds. He is now re-armed for the current winter season.
The broadcaster, a Guardian columnist, previously tried various remedies including sprays, drops, and even raw onion, but found none effective. He emphasises that prevention is better than cure, as none of the cures he tried worked.
