We typically associate colds and flu with chilly weather, envisioning long winter nights snuggled up with a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea, nursing a runny nose or a scratchy throat. However, contrary to popular belief, these illnesses can strike at any time of the year, including the warmer months.1
Cepacol®, the brand known for its sore throat lozenges and hot medication, offers guidance on how to deal with colds and flu in the summer and spring months, ensuring you can continue to enjoy the sunshine even if you are under the weather.
Why Colds and Flu Can Still Occur in Warmer Weather
While it’s true that the viruses that cause colds and flu thrive in dry, cold conditions,2 scratchy throats, stuffy noses, and fevers can strike at any time of the year,1 even on a beautiful, sunny day.
The Importance of Prevention
The first step in dealing with colds and flu in warmer months is prevention.
Regular hand washing is one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of germs.3 In the summer months, when people are often on the move, carrying hand sanitiser can be a good substitute when soap and water are not readily available.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is another key to preventing illness.4a This includes eating a balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables4b, exercising regularly4c, getting adequate sleep4d, taking steps to prevent infections (such as regular hand washing4e and vaccines4f), and minimising stress 4g.
How to Treat Colds and Flu
If you do catch a cold or the flu during the warmer months, treatment will be similar to what you would do during the winter.
Rest5a and hydration5b are crucial, with the latter even more critical in warmer weather when your body may be losing more fluids through sweating. Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms such as congestion, sore throat, and fever.5c
While your instinct may be to stay indoors, if your symptoms are mild and you’re feeling up to it, try to spend some time outside. Fresh air and sunshine can boost your mood and speed up your recovery. Vitamin D, obtained from sunlight, plays an essential role in immune function.6
How the Cepacol® Cough & Cold Range Can Provide Relief
With various formulations available, such as lozenges, throat spray, medicated drinks, and syrup, Cepacol® makes it convenient for consumers to find the perfect solution for their needs.
The Cepacol® Cough & Cold range includes a variety of products packed with multiple benefits:
Cepacol® Cough & Cold Syrup7: Offers targeted relief for a persistent cough, congestion, and sore throat. Formulated with ivy leaf and pelargonium, it provides cough relief while combating cold and flu symptoms with their antibacterial and antiviral properties. The non-drowsy formulation is alcohol-free, making it safe to be taken from the age of six.
Cepacol® Plus Cough & Cold Syrup8: Specifically designed for night-time relief, this syrup addresses two troublesome symptoms: coughing and nasal congestion. It combines ivy leaf, pelargonium, and valerian extract, offering night-time cough relief.
Cepacol® Throat Spray9: This throat spray combines ivy leaf, pelargonium, and menthol. It quickly numbs the throat, providing temporary pain and discomfort relief.
Cepacol® understands the daily needs of individuals experiencing cold or flu symptoms, which is why they have developed these comprehensive solutions. With their range of products, there’s a Cepacol® option for everyone.
So, if you’re dealing with colds and flu in the warmer months, rest assured that Cepacol® has you covered!
Cepacol®‘s range of products is available at leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.cepacol.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook.
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References:
- Murphy R [Verywell Health]. Are Summer Colds Caused by Different Germs Than Winter Colds? Available from : https://www.verywellhealth.com/summer-cold-winter-cold-7556002. Last accessed August 2023.
- Horizon Health News. Why do viruses spread more in winter? Cold temps are key. Available from : https://www.horizonhealthnews.com/why-do-viruses-spread-more-in-winter-cold-temps-are-key/. Last accessed August 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Show Me the Science – Why Wash Your Hands? Available from : https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html. Last accessed August 2023.
- Harvard Health Publishing. How to boost your immune system. Available from : https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system. Last accessed August 2023.
- Hopkins Medicine. The Do’s and Don’ts of Easing Cold Symptoms. Available from : https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-dos-and-donts-of-easing-cold-symptoms. Last accessed August 2023.
- Aranow C. [National Institutes of Health]. Vitamin D and the immune system. Available from : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/. Last accessed August 2023.
- CEPACOL® Cough and colds syrups approved professional information, February 2022
- CEPACOL® Plus cough and cold syrup approved professional information, February 2022
- CEPACOL® Throat Spray approved professional information, February 2022
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