Cold & flu season is upon us!

So cold and flu season is upon us, and I don’t know what its like in your house, but already 3 out four of us have caught a cold. Whether it’s the change in weather and putting that central heating on or children bringing home germs from school, this is the time of year when I stock up on a few essentials for our medicine cabinet. I say cabinet, actually it’s a box, I keep way up high out of reach from the children. Come September and October, once my girls are back at school, I always go through everything checking dates, and buy some of the things we really can’t do without in winter.

A brand new product which is fast becoming a winter health essential is Olbas Nasal Spray.Stuffy noses are so annoying, and any relief for an adult or child is very well received. I have started to buy two or three of the 20ml – £5.99 Olbas Nasal Spray bottles, one of which lives permanently in my handbag throughout the winter months. I like that they are suitable for all of my family – adults and children over 6. When I’m on the school run (a brisk 25 minute walk each way) and have a cold, there’s something about when my nose hits that cold air, and it blocks up almost immediately. So, if I do have a cold, I simply use it a couple of minutes before I leave and it’s really effective – it gets to work within just 2 minutes! I find my children get a lot of relief by using it just before bedtime on their blocked noses, with adult supervision of course. Olbas Nasal Spray is actually clinically proven to unblock the nasal passages and prevent the spread of viral infections and bacteria whilst having a refreshing sensation. A natural formula including essential oils of eucalyptus, niaouli and wild mint with mineral-rich hypertonic seawater. You can pick up a bottle from all chemists and leading pharmacists.

Thanks to Olbas, I’ve been sent a list of top tips to fend off colds and flu, that I wanted to share with you, as I’m sure you’ll find them useful, I know I did:

GP and Olbas Expert, Dr Henderson’s 10 Top Tips to Fend off Colds & Flu

Eat healthily – A variety of at least five fruit and vegetable portions a day are great for boosting your immune system. A portion of fruit includes one medium-sized whole fruit or three smaller fruits, for example satsumas or dried apricots. Keep bugs at bay by eating plenty of garlic and onion. Known for their antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties they can help fight infections.

Drink lots of water – especially if you spend a lot of time in central heated spaces or have a cold or the flu. Not only will it keep your body hydrated, but it will also help to flush out toxins. Always drink at least 2 litres of water per day.

Use an over the counter decongestant remedy or nasal spray – Natural formulas such as Olbas Nasal Spray relieve blocked noses and help prevent the spread of viral infections and bacteria.

Get enough sleep – It’s the body’s natural way of recharging its batteries. So, if you start to feel under the weather, help your body to recover by getting more sleep.

Drink tea – Green tea is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, so it’s great for helping you to beat winter bugs and improving your immune system.

Breathe in steam – Take a warm shower or inhale from a bowl of steamy water as a way of introducing warm, moist air into the nose and lungs to help loosen any mucus. Add a few drops of an inhalant decongestant such as Olbas Oil and breathe in the vapours to relieve blocked noses.

Relax more – When your body is under stress you are more susceptible to the viral infections that cause colds and flu, so keep calm and stay healthy.

Don’t touch your face – The cold virus is often carried on the hands and then enters your body through your eyes, nose or mouth. So, minimise the risk of catching a cold by washing your hands regularly. To get rid of germs, rub your hands together vigorously with lots of soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds.

Get moving – Exercise especially in the fresh air helps increase immune functions. White blood cells that kill and fight bacteria and germs need enough oxygen to work and function properly. Fresh air helps the airways of your lungs to dilate more fully and improves the lungs cleansing action.

Use disposable tissues – Blowing your nose or sneezing into a tissue will help contain the germs. Quickly disposing the tissue then washing your hands reduces the risk of spreading infection.

I hope that’s a help this winter to you, I’m definitely going to try the green tea tip, who knew!

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