... I wasn't going to go down without a fight back against the virus though! I decided to give the Vicks First Defence I purchased sometime last winter, a well overdue test run.
** What is Vicks First Defence? **
Vicks First Defence is a micro gel nasal spray, which contains natural plant ... Read review
First Defence nasal spray gets to work in the area deep inside the nasal cavity where cold ... more
germs first take hold and multiply. First Defence is a Micro-Gel nasal spray based on plant extracts. It works by trapping cold causing germs and helping your bo...
Postage & Packaging: £1.82 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
First Defence nasal spray gets to work in the area deep inside the nasal cavity where cold ... more
germs first take hold and multiply. First Defence is a Micro-Gel nasal spray based on plant extracts. It works by trapping cold causing germs and helping your bo...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Vicks Early Defense Nasal Decongestant works fast to relieve nasal congestion as soon as ... more
you feel the first sign of a stuffy nose. It provides up to 12hours of congestion relief. The unique scent signals the product is working as you experience freer b...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1 to 3 weeks...
Vicks Early Defense Nasal Decongestant works fast to relieve nasal congestion as soon as ... more
you feel the first sign of a stuffy nose. It provides up to 12hours of congestion relief. The unique scent signals the product is working as you experience freer b...
Postage & Packaging: £2.95 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Vicks Early Defense Foaming Hand Sanitizer kills 99.9% of germs on contact. Our pleasant ... more
cucumber-mint-scented foaming formula is dermatologist tested so you can be confident you are doing something good for your family. It helps to fight germs on hands for up to three hours, unlike alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which do not have residual activity for killing germs.IngredientsActive Ingredient (Purpose)Triclosan 0.1%, AntisepticInactive IngredientsAloe vera, ammonium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, denatured alcohol, disodium succinate hexahydrate, fragrance, glycerin, polyacrylamidomethylpropane sulfonic acid, polyquaternium-4, purified water, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, succinic acidUses
Postage & Packaging:£2.90 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Quick and easy to use. Does seem to reduce severity of cold like symptoms and shortens timescale of suffering. Disadvantages: Expensive. Tastes revolting. Difficult to tell whether this product really does combat infection, as avoidance of coughs and colds could be put down to a sensible diet or healthy lifestyle instead.
...I decided to give the Vicks First Defence I purchased sometime last winter, a well overdue test run.
** What is Vicks First Defence? **
Vicks First Defence is a micro gel nasal spray, which contains natural plant extracts (i.e. no drugs), and is designed to work in harmony with your body's natural defence mechanisms. I'm not going to list all the ingredients, but on having a look at the instructions the product comes with, ... ...moment. Added to that, Vicks had that rather annoying advert on our TV screens…you know, the one with the mother throwing the tantrum in the supermarket in impersonation of her son. Despite the dreadful "shoutiness" of that advert, it didn't quite put me off buying this product, though it did come pretty close….
Like most cold and flu products, it's expensive. One small bottle will set you back at least £6.49 (Superdrug) ... more
It's that time of year again. No, I'm not talking about Valentine's Day. I'm referring to those coughs and sneezes that tend to pay an unwelcome visit during the winter period. It seems no matter how carefully you avoid contact with contagious sufferers, cold and flu viruses spread like wildfire. Despite copiously washing my hands with anti-bacterial hand wash every time I came close to even a remote opportunity of catching something, I still fell foul to that familiar tickle at the back of my throat which usually heralds the advent of a cold. I wasn't going to go down without a fight back against the virus though! I decided to give the Vicks First Defence I purchased sometime last winter, a well overdue test run.
** What is Vicks First Defence? ** Vicks First Defence is a micro gel nasal spray, which contains natural plant extracts (i.e. no drugs), and is designed to work in harmony with your body's natural defence mechanisms. I'm not going to list all the ingredients, but on having a look at the instructions the product comes with, the ingredients contain well-known things such as zinc, menthol, camphor and eucalyptus, all of which have proven qualities in either boosting your immune system or helping combat infection. The gel is squirted into the back of your nasal passage, which is where a cold virus first tries to take root in your body. The idea is that the gel sits in your nasal passage and creates such a nasty atmosphere/hostile environment that the cold virus decides it's not welcome, and goes away. To put it more technically, the gel works alongside your body's natural defence mechanisms, and helps it flush out the virus. It evidently works in three main ways. Firstly, the gel encourages you to produce mucus, which is how we naturally flush out a virus. Secondly, the gel introduces a low pH value into the nasal area and viruses tend to thrive in a higher one. Thirdly, the gel coats the virus in micro spray so it cannot multiple, nor travel so quickly and easily to the rest of your body.
** Cost and Availability ** It's quite difficult to avoid the huge displays of this product in any pharmacy or chemist at the moment. Added to that, Vicks had that rather annoying advert on our TV screens…you know, the one with the mother throwing the tantrum in the supermarket in impersonation of her son. Despite the dreadful "shoutiness" of that advert, it didn't quite put me off buying this product, though it did come pretty close….
Like most cold and flu products, it's expensive. One small bottle will set you back at least £6.49 (Superdrug) to £6.99 (Boots). Vicks recommend that bottles should never be shared amongst the same people (as it may spread the infection), so that's quite an expensive investment if you have a large family. However, I reckon that it's a small price to pay if it stops a cold in its tracks, and thereby saves the additional costs of Lemsips, Beechams or Night Nurse, all of which, at the end of the day, are very over-priced paracetomal or aspirins with a flu/cold theme…
** So how do you use it? ** Vicks First Defence is best and most effectively used within 24-36 hours of a virus first lurking in your vicinity. If you start to get those warning signals of a sore throat or one sneeze too many, it's time to reach for your bottle of Vicks First Defence. They also advise that it's best to carry on using the spray until at least two days after the symptoms have subsided.
The gel comes in a small bottle with a pump dispenser to the top, which is inserted into your nostril. It's not a delicate process, so it's best done alone in a room or only with someone you know really well! You are advised to depress the nozzle into each nostril approximately 2 or 3 times. It may take a bit of effort to get the gel flowing at first. Vicks advise that you do not tilt your head at all, but aim the nozzle up your nostril in the direction of your ear. You must only squirt this stuff up your nose a maximum of four times in any 24 hour period.
I warn you now, it's really not a pleasant sensation, and the taste is revolting. It can sting a bit in your nostrils, and it tends to run back down your nose within seconds. It's perfectly normal to expect a little bit of initial smarting in your nostrils, and you will have an increase in nasal discharge, as the gel is interacting with any mucus present in your nostrils and flushing it out. It can make you sneeze sometimes too - but that's good too, as that's expelling all the nasty mucus. It can also make your eyes water a bit, so best to have a tissue to hand. When you swallow, the taste is rather unpleasant, sort of mildewy and old is the best way to describe it. I expected it to taste sort of medicinal but it really doesn't….it's really quite horrible…sort of how you would imagine a six week old dead badger would taste…if you'd ever partaken (which I haven't…). However, the taste and sensation really doesn't last all that long, so please don't let my description put you off.
Vicks advise that to obtain optimum results, you should continue to use the product for at least two days after symptoms subside. However, if your cold like symptoms are still in evidence after seven days, then it really isn't working for you. Similarly, if you start to experience nose bleeds or your nostrils become sore or inflamed, you must stop using this product immediately.
** So….does it work? ** The 24 thousand dollar question…does it work? Well it certainly seemed to stop my tickly sore throat symptoms turning into anything nastier. The rest of my office are still coughing and sneezing and, strangely, I have managed to remain in a germ-free zone. I really couldn't honestly say whether this is down to First Defence though. It could be that I was not susceptible to that particular virus. Similarly, maybe my relatively healthy diet of lots of garlic, vitamins, fruit and vegetables worked in my favour this time around.
My partner, who did go down with a cold, found that his symptoms were a lot milder and his cold cleared up faster as a result of using First Defence at the onset of his symptoms. So perhaps there is something to be said for the gel managing to persuade that nasty old mucus into an early retreat after all.
On the whole I'd definitely recommend this product. Yes, it's pricey, but if it manages to stop a cold in its tracks or reduces the severity of its symptoms, then you're quids in by not having to buy all those so-called cold remedies and cough mixtures. The expiry date on this product is a good few years hence, so it should see me through a couple more winters at least.
** Further Details ** I can't say that I experienced any particular side effects from using First Defence. It did make my nose bleed a little bit, but that soon cleared up once I stopped using it. The worst feature of this product, is the truly appalling taste to it.
However, do please note that this product should be avoided if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Similarly, if you are prone to nose bleeds or have ear, nose or throat sensitivities, then it's best not to use First Defence. It's also not really suitable for children under the age of 12.
** Prices and Complimentary Products **
~ First Defence Nasal Spray ~ 15ml = £6.49 (Superdrug) to £6.99 (Boots)
~ First Defence anti-bacterial hand wash ~ 50ml = £3.99 (roughly 125 goes) 150ml = £6.99 (roughly 375 goes)
~ Dual Defence Kits ~ 150ml hand wash plus Vicks First Defence = £11.99 50ml hand wash plus Vicks First Defence = £9.99
** My top five tips for avoiding a cold this winter ** To save anyone having to buy this stuff in the first place, the following are some tips on remaining a germ free zone in the winter period:-
[1] Keep away from crowded, enclosed or stuffy places, and try not to share cups, glasses, cutlery and plates where possible. Lots of fresh air and open windows are the order of the day.
[2] Avoid anyone who is coughing or sneezing (obviously), but if you do come into contact, try and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands thoroughly first.
[3] Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly for at least 20 seconds every time with anti-bacterial hand wash, if you've got it. If not, normal soap will do. It's the 20 seconds that's the important bit.
[4] Drink plenty of fluids, as that will support and boost your immune system.
[5] Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, as those packed with natural minerals and vitamins can really help fight any infection. For example, fruits rich in Vitamin C are a known aid in combating infection. Similarly, vitamins A & E, zinc, echinacea and garlic are good for boosting your immune system. Check out the aisles at Boots or your local Holland and Barrett for some further advice.
** Further Details** Procter and Gamble consumer product enquiries:-
P & G UK PO Box 420 Newcastle upon Tyne NE27 0YA
Telephone: 0800 169 3140 (UK) or 1800 509 529 (Ireland)
Advantages: It works if you take it straight away. Disadvantages: Thieving Vicks demand that you pay seven quid for it.
...brand to seduce me was Vicks First Defence Nasal Spray, which is part of a range of Vicks products that have been heavily advertised recently in a hateful way (variously: sombre man with irritating voice talks at length about the size of your nasal cavities (actually, now that I'm thinking about it, this one may not be Vicks at all, but it still really bloody annoys me, so I'll leave it in), woman in lift with HUGE nose turns out to be a bit of a ... ...Whatever route you take, Vicks First Defence does work quite expediently. There are a few points to note, though. Despite what the hateful ad may imply, you really, really don't want to take this stuff in public. There's always a risk of things getting a bit messy and in the worst case scenario it'll look like you've just been ectoplasmed. Also, you need to take it when you first feel your cold coming on. It'll still work if you take it when your ...
tallulahbang 01.02.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Vicks First Defence
Advantages: It actually seems to work !! Disadvantages: Fairly expensive, but will last a whilst !
...really ill. I first took Vicks First Defence at tea time that day. Initially it really did clear my head, but I went to bed feeling pretty rough.
The following morning, I awoke with quite a bad headache, but the cold felt quite a bit better. I took another dose of the gel, and by eleven o clock I felt almost 100% better !
It's difficult to say if the headache was brought on by this product, but this then developed into a migraine - something which ... ...up, I would certainly recommend Vicks First Defence to potential buyers. The product is expensive for what it is - (and the instructions wisely recommend that you do not share this product - each person should have their own one !). However, £7 to recover so quickly from a cold is very cheap. Also, for full recovery from my last cold, I took five doses - (it recommends using it for around 2 days after you feel better, but I ignored this advice). ...
SRowlands 01.12.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Vicks First Defence
Advantages: Hopefully prevents colds. Disadvantages: Not very plesant adminstering a dose.
Oh the joys of being a parent! Not only have I had to nurse my poor eldest baby back to something resembling “healthy”, but now she is on the mend I have had to contend with her bug myself….. And by god how she must have suffered!
Now my husband is not really used to me being too ill, usually sniffing and complaining for a couple of hours, then sucking it in and getting on with it, not this time! This time it has completely floored me, I have aches, ... ...was having a fit (I kid you not!) and finally the joy that is constant nausea!
Now, as much as I like sharing, I really do not want my husband to get this bug, he has just started a new job and could do without having any time off work during his training period, hence the product I will now review!
The product I will now review is “ Vicks, first defence, micro - gel nasal spray”.
I have to be truthful, when I first saw this advertised I was dubious, ...
sarahbarrow 14.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Vicks First Defence
Advantages: does what it says on the tin Disadvantages: Hurts if you administer it wrong!
"First defence" is an interesting concept. A nasal spray that is meant to keep colds at bay. How could that work? There is no cure for the common cold, so logically you can't prevent it either. Other than by eating healthy and staying inside and never having contact with other human beings. But alas, I'm not a hermit, neither are you either in all probability. I'll admit, this another one of those products my wife had bought and stuffed in the cupboard ... ...things like that. In our house, the cycle of illness is quite a common thing. Both my wife and I work in stuffy air conditioned offices where colds, bugs and flu's are regularly passed from person to person. Inevitably my wife seems to catch them first then is kind enough to give them to me. On the last occassion that occurred and I groaned "oh no, you're ill again? ill look forward to catching it." My wife rolled her eyes and produced this spray ...
AgeUK 21.10.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Vicks First Defence
Advantages: Gets rid of a cold Disadvantages: Price
Vicks First Defence is AMAZING! The only product to actually get rid of a cold. I have used this several times now and every time it has worked.
You're supposed to use it when you first feel the signs of a cold coming on, which you don't always know but I have used it mid way through a bad cold and it has cleared up. I've found I have had one bad day and then the next day my cold has dissappeared. It works by drawing the cold out of you quickly ... ...even weeks! Vicks First Defence makes no claim to cure colds, or to prevent them but it does claim to reduce the chance of developing a full blown cold by up to 50% if taken promptly at the first sign of symptoms and to cut symptoms by up to 40% but each time I have used it, it has worked better than this, it has cured my cold!!
It is a nasal spray which you use several times a day, this can be a bit uncomfortable when you have a sore nose and I ...
lilyellowfish 17.10.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Vicks First Defence
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Advantages: Protects from germs, good when there's no sink Disadvantages: Leaves hands slightly sticky, expensive.
VicksFirstDefence Protective Hand Foam is a must for all people whether you simply like to be protected or have chronic OCD. It kills germs upon contact and can help protect you from a cold.
I first saw this while standing in line at Boots so I thought I might as well buy it. It was the family sized one for about £8 and claimed to have 375 applications. At first it was brilliant and did exactly as promised however I opened up the container and then when I attempted to use it the product came out in a liquid, as it was in the container and started leaking so I discarded it.
I then bought the smaller one which fits in a bag nicely and I learnt from my experience of opening it up. This one is brilliant and I take it everywhere with me and it has come in really handy (for example when I buy an ice cream and it melts onto my hands ...
Advantages: easy to use, lasts ages Disadvantages:
I am a person who seems to catch a cold at the drop of a hat.
I catch colds in Spring , Summer, Autumn and Winter.
They seem to follow me around and catch me out just when I need to be at my best.
VicksFirstDefence seems a really good idea as it protects hands
from colds and other germs for up to 3 hours after each application.
The container is very eye catching with the usual Vicks logo.
The lid is very easy to remove and the pump dispenses the exact amount needed.
I have found it very handy and have been using it for around 6 weeks now.
No water is required, I just use a small amount from the container when I think I may need a little extra help against the cold gremlins. I just rub all over hands and allow to dry.
Some examples of when this product may be used:
Playgroups and nurseries
Travelling ...
The end of the cold war? 
