RECHARGE MAGAZINE

Best ways to combat cold and flu

It is difficult to avoid catching cold or flu. The viruses can infect anyone, it doesn’t matter if you are healthy or not, young or old. The viruses spread easily through the air, so that an infected person can spread the virus via coughing or sneezing to people in close proximity.1 The flu season lasts from fall, through winter and into spring. The infected individuals can pass the viruses to others a day before and up to 5 – 7 days after they develop symptoms. This period can be longer in young children or people with a weak immune system.1,2 Colds and the flu are both respiratory infections. The main difference between colds and flus are that they are caused by different viruses. Generally, a cold is going to have milder symptoms than the flu.1,2

COLD/FLU SYMPTOMS:

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Runny or stuffy nose

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Sore throat

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Cough

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Sneezing

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Headache or body aches

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Tiredness and fatigue

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Although it is difficult to avoid catching cold or flu, there are some ways to strengthen your immune system.1 Adequate nutrition is crucial to ensure a good supply of the energy and nutrients required for our immune system to function properly - this is evidenced by the fact that the immune response may be compromised when nutrition is poor. It has been shown that several micronutrients have vital roles within cells of the immune system.

Supradyn® is a dietary supplement containing vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D. Together, they contribute to supporting the function of the body’s immune system.4

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Get plenty of rest and sleep.

You should stay at home as soon as you notice cold/flu symptoms to stop the infection from spreading. While feeling poorly you won’t be able to do much anyway. While resting, place an extra pillow under your head to help drain your nasal passages.

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Drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.

Drinking plenty of fluids can help break up nasal mucus and prevent dehydration. Stay away from drinks like coffee, tea, or sodas which can be dehydrating.

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Gargle often to sooth a sore throat.

Dissolving salt in warm water and gargling with it may help ease a sore throat.

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Take steamy showers.

Steam can help in moisturizing your throat and nasal passages, while also helping to clear them from mucus.

1Perkins A. (2018) Influenza Are You Ready. Influenza: Are you ready? : Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! (lww.com)

2Outbreak Response Unit Division – FAQ Influenza For-Parents-and-Caregivers (2019) NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (nicd.ac.za)

3Nicholson L. – The immune system (2016) The immune system - PubMed (nih.gov)

4Maggini S, Pierre A, Calder PC. Immune Function and Micronutrient Requirements Change over the Life Course. Nutrients. 2018; 10(10):1531. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10101531

5Supradyn® Professional information

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