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Winter Essentials For Colds And Flu – All You Need To Know
Winter is coming bringing with it the inevitable cold and flu season. Before you resign yourself to a fate of sniffles, coughs, and sneezes, arm yourself with winter essentials so that when seasonal ailments strike, you can strike back.
Plate-upEating a well-rounded diet packed with plenty of nutrients is key to keeping all your cells happy and healthy, including those important immune cells that help you fight off germs.1a While no single food can make you invincible against sickness, sticking to a balanced diet can really help gear up your body to better handle those unwanted microbial invaders and keep inflammation in check.1b Nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and proteins (don't forget the all-important amino acid glutamine) play big roles.1c
The importance of sleepNever underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. Catching enough shut-eye is great for beefing up your immune system, meaning you're less likely to catch every bug going around.2a Health professionals suggest that adults should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night to stay in tip-top shape.2b
Keep your hands squeaky cleanHand washing is your first defence against the germs – helping to not only protect you against getting sick but also from spreading germs to others.3 Soap and water are best, but hand sanitiser is a good backup when those aren't available. Make it a habit to wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or after being in public places.
ALSO READ: Virus alert: Covid-19 still doing the rounds, peak in RSV infections and flu facts
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Samsung SA launches latest Galaxy A Series and unveils Kamo Mphela as next generation of awesome! ExerciseHibernating might be tempting, but regular exercise can improve your immune response, lower illness risk, and reduce inflammation.4 You don't need to brave the cold for a jog; indoor activities like yoga, pilates, or even dancing in your living room can keep you moving. Just 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference in your health and mood.
Know when to fold 'emSometimes, despite your best efforts, a cold or flu might catch up with you. If that happens, knowing when to rest is crucial. Listen to your body. Taking some time to rest during the day gives your body a much-needed break, allowing it to channel more energy and resources into fighting a cold or flu virus that might come your way.5
Vaccinate and educateOne of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of seasonal flu, is vaccination.6 Stay informed about any additional vaccines or boosters. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it could be the power to stay healthy.
Wellness kitPrepare a wellness kit so you're not scrambling at the first sign of a sniffle. Stock it with tissues and ask your pharmacist for pain and fever relievers, decongestants, cough mixture and an immune booster. Don't forget a reliable thermometer to monitor potential fever.
Dose of positivityLastly, keep your spirits high. The psychological effects of positivity on good health is well-documented.7 Enjoy indoor hobbies, connect with friends and family, and find reasons to laugh.
ALSO READ: Annual vaccine is the 'only sure way' to avoid flu
Panado®: Beating the chillWhen it comes to winter, being well-prepared can make all the difference. By adding Panado®, Cepacol®, ViralGuard™ and Compral® onto your list of winter essentials, you'll stand a better chance against colds and flu symptoms and enjoy the season for its beauty and charm.
Panado® is a go-to choice for South African families, offering trusted8 relief from pain and fever, including headaches, toothache, and the discomfort that comes with colds and flu13.
Panado. Picture: Supplied Beat the scratch and soothe sore throats with Cepacol® Cepacol®, renowned for its sore throat lozenges and hot medication, offers a range of solutions for cold and flu symptoms. There's a Cepacol® option for that, this winter!
Cepacol. Picture: Supplied Beat the ache with fast & targeted pain relief from Compral® Don't let pain hold you back this, winter! Turn to Compral® for fast9 and targeted10 pain relief. Available in both tablet and powder form, Compral® powder is ready to work in just 10 seconds.11
Compral. Picture: Supplied Guard your immunity and beat the bugs with ViralGuard™ ViralGuard™ offers a formulation with essential ingredients like antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, herbal extracts, and minerals, all known to support the immune system.12 The range includes delicious Fizzi chews, junior syrup, a throat spray and tablets.
ViralGuard. Picture: Supplied Embrace the Winter Warrior within with the Adcock Ingram Range, featuring Panado®, Cepacol®, Compral®, and ViralGuard™, available from Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and independent pharmacies.
For more information about Adcock Ingram Winter Warriors, visit https://adcockwinterwarriors.Co.Za/. For more information about Panado®, visit https://panado.Co.Za/ and join the conversations on Facebook. For more information about Cepacol®, visit www.Cepacol.Co.Za and join the conversation on Facebook. For more information about Compral®, www.Compralpainrelief.Co.Za and join the conversation on Facebook. For more information about ViralGuard™, https://viralguard.Co.Za/ and join the conversation on Facebook.
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12 Tips For A Speedy Flu Recovery
Resting and staying hydrated can help you get over the flu fast. Taking antivirals within 48 hours of symptom onset can also help you bounce back faster.
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Flu symptoms typically last about a week, but the most severe symptoms only occur for two to three days (though it might feel like an eternity). You might continue to experience fatigue, weakness, and a cough for another week after you recover.
Here are 12 tips to help you recover more quickly.
Your body needs time and energy to fight the flu virus, so your daily routine should be on the back burner.
You may be tempted to go grocery shopping or get ahead on laundry for the week, but you'd be doing yourself a disservice. Stay home from work or school, and put errands on hold until you feel better.
Staying home helps you recover and prevents the spread of the flu to other people in your community or workplace. The flu can be dangerous for older adults and small children, so you must avoid contact with others while you're contagious and disinfect surfaces and personal items regularly.
One flu symptom is a high fever, which can lead to sweating. You might also be dealing with bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. Your body needs plenty of fluids to replace lost liquids and even more to fight off the infection.
Water is best, but you can also drink herbal teas or tea with honey. These can soothe your symptoms while keeping you hydrated. Two things you should always avoid, though, are alcohol and caffeine, which can be dehydrating.
Sleep is the best medicine for your body while fighting the flu. Watching TV curled up on the couch isn't a bad idea, but you shouldn't binge-watch your favorite Netflix show all night.
Go to bed earlier than usual and sleep in. You can also nap during the day to give your body more time to recover.
Rest and sleep also reduce your risk of serious flu complications, like pneumonia.
It can be difficult to sleep with a stuffy nose and cough. Try these tips to breathe easier and have a better night's sleep:
Your body needs better nutrition to recover from the flu.
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your immune system as it fights off the virus.
Although you might not have much of an appetite, eating regular meals is still important to maintain strength.
Dry air can exacerbate symptoms. A vaporizer or humidifier adds moisture to the air and can help loosen congestion.
There are many types of humidifiers and vaporizers available on the market. Examples include cool-mist humidifiers and steam vaporizers. These can be reasonably priced at your local big-box store, pharmacy, or online.
Your local drug store's cold and flu aisle is most likely packed with hundreds of options. Some medications treat specific symptoms, like nasal congestion, while others treat many flu symptoms simultaneously.
Read the product's label to learn the correct dose for each type of medication and ensure you're not accidentally combining medications. Medications like DayQuil are both a pain reliever and a fever reducer, as well as a decongestant and cough suppressant. Avoid taking these combination medications with other OTC options.
DayQuil and similar cold medicines can also increase blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, something formulated for those with hypertension, like Coricidin HBP.
Children and teens should never take aspirin for the flu, as it can cause a serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
If you take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, you may also want to avoid cough medicine containing dextromethorphan, as this combination can lead to serotonin syndrome.
Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat colds and the flu.
In one study, people with the flu who consumed elderberry found that it may reduce the duration and severity of colds.
Elderberry capsules, lozenges, and syrups are available in stores or online. Raw elderberries should not be eaten, as they can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Remember, elderberry is a complementary therapy, so make sure you're also treating the flu with OTC or prescription medication.
Honey is a fairly common natural remedy for soothing a sore throat or cough. Mixing honey with tea is a great way to stay hydrated while treating flu symptoms.
In one older study, researchers found that a dose of honey was more effective at controlling a nighttime cough than common cough suppressants in children ages two to 18 years with upper respiratory tract infections.
One thing to note is that you shouldn't give honey to children younger than a year old.
Antiviral drugs are only available by prescription, so you must see a doctor first.
These drugs prevent the virus from growing and replicating. They work best if taken within 48 hours of experiencing symptoms, so it's best to reach out as soon as you start noticing symptoms.
The most commonly prescribed antiviral medication is oseltamivir (Tamiflu). In October 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), a new antiviral for people ages 12 and older.
Taking antiviral medications within two days of the onset of symptoms may reduce the duration of the flu by about one day and the severity of symptoms.
The annual flu vaccine is produced based on scientists' predictions of which flu strain will dominate the next flu season. Sometimes, though, they get it wrong. Getting a flu shot after you've already had the flu can protect you from other strains of the virus.
You might think it's too late or you can't get the flu again in one season, but it's still possible. So, it's a good idea to protect yourself by getting vaccinated.
We often forget how much our emotions and attitudes affect our physical feelings. While you may be unable to unclog your stuffy nose or lower your fever with positive thoughts, maintaining a positive attitude during your illness may help your overall recovery.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the flu recovery.
What is the quickest way to get rid of the flu?The most important thing is giving your body time to rest, drinking lots of fluids, and eating healthy foods. When taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, antivirals can also reduce the duration and severity of illness.
What kills the flu virus in the body?Antiviral medication can help kill the flu virus in the body.
Can you get rid of the flu in 2 days?Symptoms of the flu usually peak in the first couple of days and subside within a week. Plenty of rest and fluids can help your body fight the virus faster. Antiviral medications can also reduce the duration of the flu by about a day.
The best thing you can do to recover from the flu is to allow yourself to sleep, rest, and drink lots of fluids. If you catch your flu symptoms early and you're at risk of serious complications, you can try an antiviral medication to help reduce the duration of your symptoms.
Most flu symptoms resolve within one to two weeks. If your flu symptoms start to get better and then get rapidly worse or don't subside after two weeks, contact your doctor.
Cold Comfort - Cold Remedies That Really Work
By ROSALIND RYAN, Mail online
As the weather gets colder, many of us will be fighting off a cold this winter. Here, we look four the best cold cures...
Zinc
Zinc is gaining attention as another antioxidant that can help boost your immune system. Zinc can be found in red meat and seafood but the most effective way to take zinc is in lozenges.
Studies published in the Nutrition Review in 1996 and the Annals of Internal Medicine in 1997 showed that adults who took zinc lozenges had less severe symptoms and cut the time they were suffering with a common cold.
The studies found that taking up to 10 lozenges a day that contained between 15 - 25 milligrams (mg) of zinc gluconate were the most effective. Lozenges with citric acid or tartaric acid could interfere with the effects of the zinc, so check with a pharmacist before taking any. The lozenges should only be taken at the beginning of a cold and stopped when the symptoms have all disappeared.
Powdered cold remedies
Over the counter remedies for colds and flu now boast they can get you back at your desk before your boss even realises you've been away. Most of them contain painkillers like paracetamol, a decongestant to unblock your nose and maybe caffeine to keep you awake.
The remedies are available as tablets capsules or a powder you mix up
into a hot drink. 'Be careful you don't over dose on cold remedies,' warns Professor Eccles. 'You could be taking paracetamol tablets as well as a cold remedy, up to two or three times the recommended amount of paracetamol.'Cold sufferers should also beware of remedies containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA). In October last year the American Food and Drug Administration banned cold cures containing the drug after a study found PPA might be linked to an increased risk of stroke in young women.
But the Department of Health says there is no need to worry. A report from the Chief Medical Examiner said cough and cold remedies in the UK only contain 100mg of the drug, a lower maximum daily dose than that used in the US (150mg). Alternative remedies are available and the Department advises checking with your pharmacist if you are worried.
Curry
The next time you go out for a curry, don't worry about the high fat content. Curries can be good for you as a lot of the ingredients, 
like ginger, garlic and chillies, are well known for their anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Professor Eccles agrees that eating a curry is a good way to fight off a common cold. 'The spices in a curry promote the production of mucus, our body's defence system,' he says.
A national survey commissioned by the Consumer Health Information Centre in November last year found that eating curries was seen as a common way to treat colds among Britons. The survey revealed that cold sufferers who opted for the curry cure said symptoms like a blocked nose cleared up and they felt much better after eating the spicy dish.
Sex
As if you needed another excuse to stay in bed, American researchers have discovered that a couple of passion-fuelled nights a week can boost your immune system.
A study at Wilkes University, Pennsylvania in 1999 analysed the immune systems of a group of students by measuring the amount of immunoglobulin A in their salvia. Immunoglobulin A is an antigen - a chemical that locks on to an infection when it enters your body and then prompts the immune system to destroy it.
Students who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of immunoglobulin A compared with those who never had sex. But the study warns that nightly lovemaking sessions could be dangerous.
Frisky students who had sex more than three times a week actually had lower levels of immunoglobulin A than those students who never made love. This meant their resistance to infection was reduced, making them more susceptible to catching colds.
So to cure a cold, remember a little of what - or who - you fancy does you good.
For more information and advice about colds and cures, visit the Common Cold Centre website on http://www.Cf.Ac.Uk/biosi/associates/cold/home.Html
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