Klarinet Archive - Posting 000586.txt from 1997/05

From: "Robert D. Shaw" <theshaws@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Playing Clarinet w/Colds
Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 08:32:01 -0400

I used to have the problem of reinfection with colds. I believe that is
is because the germs can lurk in your reeds after playing. Now when I
get a cold or flu, I clean the reed with peroxide after playing on it.
That really seems to help. I have also been known to wash my reeds with
antibacterial dishwashing detergent!
On the subject of antihistimines--I use the non-drying Sudafed. It
doesnt' seem to cause drowsiness or dry mouth that other products do.
I hope that this can be of some use to you.
Good Luck!
Deborah
Karl Krelove wrote:
>
> At 08:56 AM 5/21/97 -0400, Jerry Korten wrote:
> >Actually, rather than looking for advice on remedies (for which I am always
> >thankful) I was wondering if other people are similarly impeded in their
> >Clarinet playing? Do they also have to stop? Is there a way to be productive
> >during practice without having one's sound deteriorate? (As it seems to do
> >with me.)
> >
> Sometimes it comes down to you gotta do what you gotta do! If they're
> paying you to play clarinet and you aren't bedridden, you find a way. This
> is especially true if you're free-lancing and there's no guarantee you'll
> be called by the contractor next time if you beg off this time because your
> nose is running. FWIW, I take a couple of "non-drowsy" decongestants (the
> ones based on pseudoephedrine) and, if necessary, a couple of aspirin, and
> then take the deepest breath I can and do my best. I think most, if not
> all, of the degradation of tone you hear is only in your own ears - I don't
> think it's probably apparent to anyone else. During the early summer
> allergy season I've occasionally resorted to Seldane or Hismonal or one of
> several other prescription non-drowsy antihistamines that my doctor is
> willing to prescribe as I need them. Most of these meds have the annoying
> side-effect of keeping my mouth a little dry, but sneezing and coughing are
> greater inconveniences.
>
> Karl