Don’t forget about the flu
Seasonal flu and colds are still illnesses that we need to protect ourselves from.
Although the world’s focus has moved from seasonal flu and colds to more current illnesses, it doesn’t mean the common cold has stopped doing its rounds.
During 2020, due to more frequent hand washing and sanitising, the insistence of mask wearing and the limitation of movement, the flu infection rate decreased substantially compared to previous years. However, with the current lifting of restrictions and the freedom to move around and interact with others the chances of catching a cold, or the flu have increased.
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“Seasonal flu and colds are still illnesses that we need to protect ourselves from, and even though it is not newsworthy, prevention and protection are still important as both can lead to more serious symptoms and illnesses,” said Carla Yssel, senior brand manager for Septogard.
“Knowing the first signs of a cold and flu such as body chills, painful muscles and joints and congestion, and treating yourself appropriately can help lessen the symptoms you are experiencing.”
Yssel suggested implementing the following tips at the first sign of infection to help reduce the symptoms of colds and flu:
• Stay home and rest. Rest is important as it gives your body time to recover and heal, while over-exerting yourself when you are sick will likely slow down your recovery. Staying home is important as you won’t be able to infect anyone else around you.
• When you are sick and coughing, it is important to cover your mouth and cough into your elbow. This stops the germs from infecting someone else. If you cough into a tissue, the tissue needs to be disposed of immediately.
• Washing your hands, although this has been advertised everywhere, it is still very important even when you are feeling well. The transfer of germs from one person to another can be from anywhere that an infected person has put their hands on – a doorknob, elevator button and even stationery.
• Use a supplement to help boost your immune system at the first sign of infection. Septogard from Tibb Health Sciences contains ingredients that can assist and support the body’s immune system and promote the body’s innate healing power to prevent and fight infections. It also aids as an anti-inflammatory. It is available in syrup and tablet form and is suitable for the entire family.
• While being sick, your body can lose a lot of moisture; a fever can draw water and electrolytes from your body. Drinking water and other fluids can help you stay hydrated during this time and help you cope with the infection.
“When you first start to suspect you may be getting sick, you need to give yourself the correct care to manage the symptoms. Looking after yourself can also translate into looking after those around you,” explained Yssel. When you are ill your body needs the chance to fight the infection, and by giving it what it needs and taking care of yourself you are lessening the symptoms.
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