Colds and flu are more common in winter as people are indoors more, allowing viruses to pass easily from one person to another.
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Cold air also plays a role in weakening the body’s resistance.
A cabinet ‘stock take’ can help you determine which essentials you need to buy.
Check your winter medicine cabinet for the following:
• Decongestants help combat nasal congestion, which can make breathing difficult and affect sleep and daily activities.
• Pain and fever relievers for headaches, muscle aches and fever associated with colds and flu.
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• Cough suppressants stop disruptive coughs from keeping you awake at night or affecting productivity.
Suppressants help to quiet persistent coughs, while expectorants help to loosen mucus. If a cough persists, you will need to see a doctor.
• Lozenges help with painful sore throats.
• Sterilising agents are good to have and use in the house to keep the germs away.