Cold and flu tips
Reviewed and fact-checked by Giulia Guerrini, Superintendent Pharmacist. Read our editorial policy to see how we create informative, accurate content.
Trick the winter with our cold and flu tips!
Winter months don't always have the best reputation and are often associated with getting sick, catching a cold, or getting another one of those really annoying symptoms. At medino we certainly don't have the recipe for happiness, but we surely have the recipe for getting through the coldest months of the year with a smile on your face.
Boost your immune system with:
Nutrition
Nutrition plays a key role in making sure our immune system works properly.
A balanced mix of vitamins and minerals is key, and if your immune system isn't right because of a particular vitamin or mineral deficiency, taking nutritional supplements may lead to improvements. At medino we offer a wide range of supplements for all ages, which includes vitamin and mineral complex and supplements specifically designed to boost your immune system.
Probiotic supplements (live gut friendly bacteria) are also worth a try. In fact, some studies shown that there is a connection between gut health and our immune system. At medino we have a wide range of probiotics some of them specifically designed to support your immune system.
Herbal remedies
Herbal remedies like Echinacea, Garlic, Propolis, Ginseng, Ginger, and others can be used to prevent the common cold and flu or help fighting an ongoing one.
Even though is debated whether these herbs and herbal extracts strengthen our immune system or not, they are certainly worth a try and of no harm to you.
In our Cold and Flu Prevention section you will find some herbal remedies amongst other supplements.
Sleep
Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can reduce our immune system's function and therefore can make your body less capable of fighting a cold or a bacterial infection.
Experts always recommend at least seven- or eight-hours sleep.
Positive Thoughts and Low stress
Another study, conducted on law students over one year, prove that there is a correlation between positive attitude and immune system response, finding that an increase in positivity and positive thoughts corresponds to a stronger cell-mediated immunity.
Another important factor which contributes to weakening our immune system is stress, which sometimes can really affect us and our body. Following a positive attitude and trying out techniques like yoga or meditation can certainly help with this.
We don't expect you to be positive and zen all the time, but there are plenty of great reasons to start cultivating affirmative thoughts and minimising negative self-talk – and your health is a big one.
Exercise
Just like a healthy diet, exercise contributes to general health and wellbeing by lowering the body weight and improving cardiovascular health and circulation. Even though a direct link between physical activity and immune system haven't been established yet, it's safe to say that regular exercise contributes positively to our immune system and to our overall health.
Remember that "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Already caught a cold?
Even if you already caught a cold you should still take care of your immune system, which probably needs a booster more than ever. So still follow the steps above, but don't you worry, at medino we also offer a wide range of over the counter medication for all ages, which in most cases are sufficient to get through cold and flu and to give you and your children some relief from achiness, pain, headache, stuffy or runny nose, cough and temperature. Check out our Cold, Cough and Flu page!
Tips for children
If your child is coughing or has a blocked nose try to rub some mentholated vapour rub on his chest, throat and back before putting them to bed or put some Olbas Oil drops on a tissue and place it in the bedroom to help them breathing.
Alternatively put some saline spray or saline drops into the child nostrils to help unblocking the nose.
If the child is unwell and is over 3 months old, try Calpol or Nurofen to bring down the temperature and try soothing syrups such as Tixylix to calm down the cough.
For new-born and babies and for kids whose symptoms don't improve in a couple of days is always recommended to seek medical advice.
Prevent bad germs from spreading further
And finally, some basics tips to avoid spreading Cold and flu around.
Viruses and bacteria spread through coughing and sneezing and therefore they can easily be passed onto other people. Here some tips to minimize the risk of contamination:
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap
- Do not share towels, cups, cutlery or other household items, especially if someone has a cold.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Cover your mouth and nose especially when sneezing
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick as much as you can
With these tips in mind you have the winter in your pockets. So wrap yourself up, get cozy, fill your soul with positivity and you will surely have an amazing winter!
