Catching Colds

For the past several days, my nose has bothered me in the morning. Yesterday afternoon, I noticed that Kate was coughing periodically. After dinner, the coughing increased. By this morning, it was clear that we both have colds. So far, they both seem mild. I have been taking Benadryl for the past few nights. I wondered about giving it to Kate but was concerned about possible interactions with medicine she is currently taking. A quick Google search confirmed my suspicions. She takes trazadone. I have been aware that it is commonly prescribed for people with dementia. It is an antidepressant that is sometimes given as a sleep aid. When combined with Benadryl, it can augment the usual effects of these drugs. In Kate’s case, she doesn’t appear to have a problem with a runny nose. The cough, however, can be annoying to her and to those around her.

I find myself a bit irritated when I get a cold, but I try to remind myself how infrequently that has occurred over the past few years. In fact, one of the ways in which Kate and I have been fortunate is not having other illnesses to contend with. I can’t remember the last one I had, but I am sure that it is more recent than Kate’s. Since they seem mild, I am hoping we will be rid of the bug in the next few days.