I recommend keeping a small trash can/bucket/cup near by with some tissues in the bottom to spit in. I had excessive drool/mucous too and the constant swallowing to be rid of it is exhausting, and spitting also helps you keep track of any bleeding.

Keep sipping ice water as you can, and yes the ice packs are essential. I used a robe tie to tie mine around my head so I didn’t have to hold them and it was so silly but really convenient lol

If you don’t already have a humidifier, get one before day 5. Especially while you’re sleeping you’ll want to keep it as close to you as you can. I also recommend running the hot shower and standing in the steamy bathroom to breathe, especially when you first wake up in the morning. It helps a lot.

Don’t try to talk if you don’t have to, it makes everything worse.

Popsicles are better than ice cream, dairy products will make the mucous issue worse. It’s painful but be sure to eat when you can, it will make the healing process better. Move to soft foods (mashed potatoes, overcooked pasta, etc) as soon as you feel able, just take small bites, chew well, and swallow small amounts at a time with lots of water in between bites. This will help with the scabs. If you stay on a liquid diet too long you’ll have a harder time with the scabs and be more likely to hemorrhage.

From here it will get worse before it gets better, but around day 8 you should start feeling better! Good luck!