5 Cold & Flu Relief Hacks You Need to Know

Ah, the dreaded cold and flu season is upon us once again. But fear not! Cepacol®, known for its sore throat lozenges and hot medicated drinks, has you covered.

From soothing teas and steam inhalation to the power of hydration and rest, read on to discover five hacks to beat cold and flu symptoms. Say goodbye to your cold or flu symptom checker list of stuffy noses, coughs, and endless tissue boxes. 

Steam It Out

Is congestion making it hard to breathe? Bring out the power of steam. Inhaling steam has been used for over   3 500 years^1a to help loosen mucus and relieve chest congestion^1b. 

Take a hot shower or use a humidifier to relieve congestion. Alternatively, create a DIY steam treatment by filling a bowl with hot water, covering your head with a towel, and leaning over the bowl.

Use Natural Remedies

Warm water with lemon and honey^2a can help soothe sore throats. Additionally, herbal teas with ingredients such as ginger^2b, chamomile^2c, or peppermint^2d are known for their soothing properties.

Why not indulge in a bowl of warm chicken and vegetable soup? Or opt for a revitalising smoothie filled with antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables? These options provide essential nutrients that can help enhance your immune system.^2b

Wash Your Hands

Prevention is key! Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water can prevent about 20% of respiratory infections, including colds.^3a 

By consistently practising proper handwashing, you can effectively protect yourself from contracting illnesses caused by antibiotic-resistant germs, which pose significant challenges in terms of treatment and management.^3b

Stay Home and Rest

To protect yourself and others, stay home when you're feeling unwell^4a, move away from people before coughing and sneezing^4b, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects^4c. 

While there is no cure for a cold, resting at home and drinking plenty of fluids can speed up your recovery^4d. 

Consider Vaccinations

Annual flu vaccines can keep you from getting sick^5a, and significantly reduce your risk of contracting infectious viruses or experiencing severe symptoms from the flu^5b.

According to studies, it has been found that receiving a flu vaccination can significantly decrease the likelihood of flu illness by approximately 40% to 60% across the general population^5c. 

This risk reduction is especially evident during seasons when the prevalent flu viruses closely match the strains used in producing flu vaccines.^5c Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best vaccination options for you.

How the Cepacol® Cough & Cold Range Can Provide Relief

With various formats available, such as lozenges, throat sprays, medicated drinks, and syrups, Cepacol® makes it convenient to find the perfect medication for cold and flu relief. 

The Cepacol® Cough & Cold range includes a variety of new cold and flu medicine, packed with multiple benefits:

New Cepacol® Cough & Cold Syrup⁶

Offers targeted relief for a 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 formulation is non-drowsy and alcohol free, making it safe to use in adults and children above 6 years of age.

New Cepacol® Plus Cough & Cold Syrup⁷

Specifically designed for night-time relief, this syrup addresses two troublesome symptoms: coughing and lack of sleep. It combines ivy leaf, pelargonium, and valerian extract, offering night-time cough relief.

New Cepacol® Throat Spray⁸

The throat spray combines ivy leaf, pelargonium, and menthol. It quickly numbs the throat, providing relief of a sore and inflamed throat. The spray format allows easy application directly to the affected area, ensuring targeted 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 cold, cough, or flu symptoms, there’s a Cepacol® for that!

Cepacol®'s new range of products is now available at leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.cepacol.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook.

References: 

1. Perea Clinic. Chest congestion relief-steam therapy 2020. Available from: https://pereaclinic.com/chest-congestion-relief-steam-therapy/. Last accessed May 2023. 
2. Lyles A [Insider]. The 6 best drinks to soothe a sore throat and boost your immune system 2020. Available from: https://www.insider.com/guides/health/drinks-for-sore-throat. Last accessed May 2023.
3. Centres 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 May 2023.
4. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Common colds: Protect yourself and others. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html. Last accessed May 2023. 
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine effectiveness: How well do flu vaccines work? Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm. Last accessed May 2023.  
6. CEPACOL® Cough and Cold Syrup approved professional information, February 2022. 
7. CEPACOL® Plus Cough and Cold Syrup approved professional information, February 2022.  
8. CEPACOL® Throat Spray approved professional information, February 2022.