When the winter colds and flu hit, it often feels as though everyone around you is blowing their nose, coughing, or lying low with body aches. Mild symptoms don’t always require a trip to the doctor, and sometimes a little rest and taking things slow at home can help you feel better. However, if your symptoms worsen or don’t go away, it’s always best to seek medical advice.
“While rest and time are essential for recovery, there are plenty of additional, practical things you can do at home to ease your symptoms, feel more comfortable, and support your immune system,” explains Lindie Pretorius, Brand Manager for Linctagon®. “It is not always possible to leave the house when you or a family member is feeling sick, and often what you do at home, and what you have at home, can help you navigate your way.”
To give you the opportunity to get through the winter sniffles at home, Pretorius offers the following hints:
- We have all heard it – rest when you are sick – but not many follow this simple suggestion, until they can’t get out of bed. It is important to not ignore your symptoms and to listen to your body; ignoring your symptoms may result in you being sick for longer. While you are resting, your body is working to fight off the virus. Take time off work or school, so as not to spread the germs and to rest. Just SLOW DOWN!
- Staying hydrated helps to thin mucus, relieve congestion and keep your throat moist. But this needs to be done smartly. Warm water with lemon and honey (great for soothing sore throats), herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile or peppermint, and electrolyte solutions are all smart ways to keep hydrated during this time. Avoid caffeine as this can dehydrate your system.
- Try to soothe your symptoms. Taking an over-the-counter remedy such as Linctagon® C-Plus, an all-in-one immune support with antioxidant properties, can help ease cold and flu symptoms, and help get you better faster. This effervescent tablet includes N-Acetylcysteine to help support against the symptoms of colds and flu. Linctagon® C-Plus also includes a unique blend of ingredients, Vitamin D3 and Zinc to provide additional health benefits and support during the colds and flu season.
- While sick, you may not want to eat, but it is important to keep your strength up with nutrient-rich foods. Soups and broths are easy to digest and swallow and are full of nutrients. Garlic and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties, while Vitamin C rich foods such as oranges and kiwis, and foods containing Zinc such as chickpeas and pumpkin seeds, can go a long way to helping you feel better.
- If you or a family member is sick, make sure to clean your home regularly. Colds and flu viruses can live on surfaces for hours and infect or even reinfect members of your family. Regularly wipe down high-touch surfaces such as kitchen counters, door handles, light switches, the remote control, etc. with a surface sterilising spray. Be sure to also wash bedding and towels.
- If your symptoms persist and worsen, you will need to seek medical attention, especially if your temperature is over 39.5°C, you have shortness of breath, chest tightness and symptoms that last longer than 10 days without improvement.
Colds and flu are part of life, but suffering through them doesn’t have to be. By creating a home recovery routine filled with comfort, rest, and immune-supporting habits, you can bounce back faster and feel stronger doing it.
