Klarinet Archive - Posting 000588.txt from 1997/05

From: Library Students <ndhslib@-----.org>
Subj: Re: Playing Clarinet w/Colds
Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 10:32:31 -0400

claritin d works very well. only one a day works well!

Notre Dame High School Library
1400 Maple Avenue
Elmira NY 14904

"The home of the Crusaders!"

On Thu, 22 May 1997, Robert D. Shaw wrote:

> 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
>