Surviving Cold and Flu Season
As the weather starts to get colder and the nights darker cosy winter festivities begin but so does cold and flu season. When cold and flu season strikes, it can feel like everyone is sniffling, sneezing, and dealing with sore throats. Preparation is key for staying healthy – and knowing how to manage symptoms if you do get ill is crucial for ensuring a speedy recovery.
Essential Prevention Tips
Top tips for avoiding any nasty bugs:
- Wash your hands frequently, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public spaces.1,2
- Get the flu vaccine to reduce your risk of catching influenza. The annual NHS flu vaccine is especially recommended for those over 65, pregnant women, young children, and anyone with a long-term health condition.1,3
- Avoid touching the face – particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth – to minimise the chance of introducing viruses from contaminated hands.2
- Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces at home, work and school and don’t share items like cups or towels, especially with people who are unwell.2
- Make sure to exercise and eat a balanced diet as stating fit and healthy helps your immune system fight off infections.2
Managing Symptoms Effectively
Despite careful prevention, sometimes illness is unavoidable. If symptoms do appear, prioritise:
- Rest: Give your body the chance to fight infection and plenty of time to recover.1,2
- Hydration: Drink lots of water and warm, soothing drinks like clear broths and herbal teas.2
- Eating Well: Nutritious foods supply your immune system with much-needed vitamins and minerals.2
- Medication: You can also use over-the-counter remedies such as pain relivers and decongestants to ease symptoms such as body ache, congestion, and fever.4 It is important, however, to consult with your doctor before doing so.
Soothe That Sore Throat
Sore throats are a hallmark symptom of cold and flu season and is often the most uncomfortable. Sore throat lozenges are an effective way to help ease discomfort.1,2
- Ease Discomfort: Chloralieve sore throat lozenges provide fast, effective relief, fighting infection and also numbing the pain of a sore throat.5
- Dual-Action Formula: Chloralieve contains both an anaesthetic and an antiseptic, which work together to fight the cause of the sore throat while reducing symptoms.5
- Multiple Flavours: Choose from honey and lemon or blackcurrant to soothe your sore throat your preferred way!
When To Seek Medical Advice:
Most colds and cases of flu can be managed at home, but consult your GP if you experience:
- Persistent high fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Symptoms lasting longer than ten days or getting worse
- Severe pain, earache, or unexplained rashes1,2
Final Thoughts
With proper prevention, prompt treatment, and the soothing relief of sore throat lozenges, getting through cold and flu season is much easier – you can get back to feeling your best, faster.
References
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/
- https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/annual-flu-programme
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/surviving-the-cold-and-flu-season-without-antibiotics
- https://chloralieve.com/information-hub/what-makes-chloralieve-different/