Review: Vicks First Defence Nasal Spray – Prevent Colds
Quick Review: I’ve been using Vicks First Defence for several years and I am convinced that it helps lessen the effects of a cold. The main downside is that it is full of chemicals and can feel like you’re squirting acid up your nose.
Every Winter, I get a generous helping of colds. I’ve tried just about every preventative measure and cold ‘cure’ that you can imagine, but nothing ever seemed to work. That was until I discovered Vicks First Defence, which seems to reduce the effects of a cold.
Does Vicks First Defence work
In my experience, First Defence does seem to work. I can’t prove that First Defence works because I don’t know how severe a cold would have been if I hadn’t taken First Defence.
I do know that every time I take First Defence, my colds are quite mild. Friends and family members who also use First Defence have said a similar thing.
Also, if you check out the reviews on Amazon and other online stores, the vast majority claim that First Defence has helped alleviate their cold to some degree.
When To Use Vicks First Defence Nasal Spray
You use the spray at the first sign of a cold. There are many different signs that a cold is heading your way, like a slightly sore throat, restless night, feeling lethargic, sneezing, coughing, etc. It’s time to get out the First Defence when you get any of these symptoms.
As with all medicines, it’s important to read the instructions. This is especially true with First Defence if you want to get the maximum benefit.
Pros: Vicks First Defence
- Lessens the Impact of a cold– I can’t be 100% certain, but I think it lessens the impact of a cold. It won’t prevent or cure a cold completely, but it’s the best thing I’ve found to help fight colds
- Colds don’t last as long – At least the main symptoms don’t last as long. I think the actual amount of time you have the cold is probably the same as if you hadn’t taken the First Defence.
Cons: Vicks First Defence
- Feels like acid – It can feel like you’re squirting acid up your nose. This isn’t always the case, sometimes I don’t feel any pain, and other times it stings like a b!tch. Fortunately, the pain usually subsides after about 5 minutes. for me, the pain is a price worth paying.
- Full of chemicals – I don’t recommend looking at the ingredients. It’s full of god knows what. I’m sure they have all been tested and are deemed ‘safe’ as Vicks is part of Proctor & Gamble. Even so, overdoing it with the First Defence is probably not a good idea.
- Unpleasant taste – The spray finds its way to the back of my throat and has a pretty unpleasant taste. Have some water standing by to wash it down.
- Side effects – I haven’t experienced any side effects, but several friends and family have said that they find that they get a bit of a headache when they first use it.
Conclusion: Vicks First Defence
Vicks First Defence isn’t for everyone as it’s not the most pleasant stuff to take and some people get some side effects. However, if like me, you suffer from a lot of colds during winter, I’d suggest giving it a go. I think it does help reduce the symptoms of a cold quite considerably, especially if you take it as soon as you feel a cold coming.
Frequently Asked Questions: Vicks First Defence
Can Vicks First Defence Be shared with other people?
It’s probably best not to share First Defence with other people for hygiene reasons. But, I would think as long as the applicator part is fully cleaned and sterilised then there would be no problem with sharing First Defence with other people.
How long does Vicks First Defence last once opened?
I can’t see any information on the instructions saying how long First Defence lasts once it’s been opened. There is a date on the box and bottle, so I assume it lasts until this date.
How effective is Vicks First Defence?
If I spray First Defence up my nose at the first signs of a cold, It is very effective in reducing the effects of a cold. It doesn’t cure a cold, it just makes the cold mild.
What is Vicks First Defence?
Vicks First Defence is a nasal spray designed to be used at the first signs of a cold. It works by trapping, inactivating, and helping to remove cold viruses from the nasal passages before the symptoms worsen.
How does Vicks First Defence work?
The spray creates a protective microgel layer in the nasal passages that traps cold viruses and helps to remove them. It also aims to neutralise viruses or make it harder for them to multiply, effectively reducing the chance of developing a full-blown cold.
When should I use Vicks First Defence?
It’s most effective when used at the first signs of a cold, such as a tickly throat, sneezing, or a stuffy nose, to help stop the cold from developing further.
How do I use Vicks First Defence?
Typically, it involves applying 2 sprays per nostril up to 4 times a day, and continuing use for 2 days after symptoms subside, but not exceeding 7 consecutive days of use.
Can anyone use Vicks First Defence?
It’s suitable for adults and children over 12 years of age. It’s not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without consulting a healthcare provider first.
Are there any side effects?
Some people experience temporary discomfort such as a burning sensation, sneezing, or a runny nose after use.
Where can I buy Vicks First Defence?
It’s available over the counter at pharmacies like Boots, Superdrug and many larger UK supermarkets.
Can Vicks First Defence cure my cold?
It is not a cure, but it’s designed to help reduce the severity of cold symptoms and potentially shorten the duration of a cold by acting early on the cold virus.
Is Vicks First Defence a replacement for the flu vaccine?
No, it is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. It’s specifically designed to target cold viruses, not the influenza virus.
