When the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there are many joys to look forward to –hot chocolate, fuzzy socks, and cozy nights in. But along with the charm of the season comes an unwelcome visitor: cold and flu season. Catherine Oluwadare, brand manager for Karvol, believes that this is not all doom and gloom, and in fact with the right care and a few preventative steps, you can keep your household healthy and happy for the whole of winter.
The first and best step when it comes to handling winter bugs, is to avoid them all together. However, since we are social creatures by nature, this can be difficult, but not impossible, to do:
- Teach your family to wash their hands regularly, especially before meals and after school, work or out shopping. Soap and water remain the best for removing germs, but keeping a small sanitising bottle on you during the day is also an option when you can’t get to the tap.
- There are many surfaces in our homes that are touched frequently during the day – remote controls, kitchen counters, door handles and any other shared devices. A quick wipe down with Milton Sterilising Surface spray can help with the removal of germs quick and efficiently.
- Good news, layering is back in fashion. The cold weather may not cause illnesses, but it can weaken the immune system. Be sure to make sure everyone is dressed appropriately before leaving the house.
The second step in managing cold and flu season this winter, is to boost your immune system naturally by adding the following to your diet:
- Vitamin C from oranges, berries, and bell peppers.
- Zinc from foods like pumpkin seeds and legumes.
- Probiotics to support gut health and immunity.
Don’t forget that sleep and hydration are essential. The body heals best when well-rested and properly hydrated. Set a bedtime routine that works for all ages and keep water bottles handy.
Knowing what symptoms to look out for, and act early is the third step in your lie of defence.Colds and the flu often start with the same symptoms – sore throat, sneezing, body aches, and a runny nose. But flu symptoms tend to hit harder and faster. Once a member of your family starts feeling unwell, follow the below tips:
- Don’t wait it out. Early rest and hydration can shorten the lifespan of a virus.
- Make sure you are prepared to handle the symptoms. Thermometers, fever reducers, saline sprays, and cough drops can ease symptoms and provide comfort. Karvol is essential for helping with congestion and its aromatic blend of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, thymol, and lavender oil promotes relief while helping you to breathe a little easier. The Karvol chest rub and Karvol capsules, are absolute must haves in any cold and flu medicine boxes.
- If you can, keep your children out of school and adults home from work at the first sign of illness to avoid spreading germs to classmates and co-workers.
The fourth step is to make sure that everyone is comfortable, from the little one to granny.
- When baby is not feeling well, use a cool-mist humidifier, Karvol capsules bulbs for stuffy noses, and consult a doctor before giving any medication.
- School aged children may seem as though they get over their symptoms quickly, but they are still not 100%. Keep them entertained with puzzles, audiobooks, or cozy movies while they recover.
- Teens and adults are much happier to stay in bed when sick. A warm bath, herbal teas, and permission to rest guilt-free are always appreciated.
Winter colds and flu may be inevitable, but with some smart planning and a little TLC, your family can tackle the season with strength and resilience. Stock up your medicine cabinet, keep those tissues handy, and remember – sometimes, the best cure is a little extra love and care.