How To Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

Did you know that one in four Kiwis will catch the flu every year?

And that the average adult catches two to four colds a year? 

That’s a lot of tissues! Not to mention a lot of coughing, sneezing, sore throats, runny noses, sleepless nights… you get the idea. 

May to October is cold and flu season in Aotearoa, and it can be pretty miserable. Both the flu and the common cold are debilitating viruses that can be passed around in seconds but may take many days to recover from. Sometimes weeks!

That’s why it pays to be prepared. Stocking up your home medicine cabinet with cold and flu support products can help you tackle a virus as soon as symptoms begin. And let’s not forget that supporting your immune system in advance can reduce your chances of getting sick in the first place. 

We’ve got everything you and your family need to get through the sniffly time of year. But first, let’s have a quick 101 on the difference between cold and flu symptoms (so you know how to deal with them!)

Cold vs flu symptoms
Both the cold and flu are caused by viruses that affect the respiratory tract.
However, symptoms differ significantly in terms of severity. 

Colds last around 1-2 weeks, with symptoms coming on gradually over the first few days. Cold symptoms usually include:

• Blocked and/or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough (usually on the fourth or fifth day)
• Feeling tired

The flu, on the other hand, is much more severe. Symptoms begin almost immediately and can take up to two weeks to clear. Flu symptoms may include:

• High temperature or fever 
• Chills or shaking
• Body aches or muscle pain
• Headache
• Blocked or runny nose 
• Dry cough (no mucus)
• Sore throat
• Digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (especially in children)
• Severe fatigue 

Cold and flu relief

When you’re feeling lousy, all you want is relief - fast. Cold and flu tablets contain key ingredients such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, decongestants, and cough suppressants to ease a range of symptoms.  

Nurofen Cold and Flu Relief tablets help to relieve congestion, sore throat, and other aches and pains for up to eight hours. They’re suitable for adults, the elderly, and children over 12 years 

If symptoms are keeping you awake at night and leaving you exhausted during the day, Codral Day & Night could help. Both day and night formulas contain paracetamol and a decongestant to help relieve body aches and congestion. The night tablets also contain a mild sedating antihistamine to support rest. 

Chest health supplements 

Chest congestion just won’t budge? Harker Herbals Deep Lung Support to the rescue! This unique tonic contains a variety of herbs and plant oils to thin out mucus and make it easier to expel. Peppermint and eucalyptus help to support breathing and soothe the airways. 

For fast relief on the go, you can’t go wrong with a cough drop! Vicks Vapodrops are available in a range of flavours and formulas to support nose, throat, and cough symptoms.  Keep a pack in your bag, in the car, or on your desk.

Sore throat relief

If your throat feels like you’ve swallowed a boiling cup of tea, you’ll be gasping for salvation. 

Difflam Sore Throat Spray helps to soothe that rawness quickly and effectively. The nifty multi-directional spray nozzle makes it easy to target the sore area and it has a cooling mint flavour.
To help keep your oral health in good shape, Blis ThroatGuard Pro Lozenges contain BLIS K12TM, an oral probiotic that helps support healthy bacterial populations in the mouth and throat. 

Blocked nose relief

A stuffy nose is about as fun as walking barefoot over Lego! We’ve all been there (especially with the Lego) and we all know how frustrating and uncomfortable it is. But a nasal spray can bring some much-needed short-term relief. Dymista Nasal Spray helps to ease a stuffy nose and other nasal symptoms in as little as five minutes. Great for adults and children 12 years and older.

For kids under 12 (but older than two), FESS Children's Nasal Saline Spray is a non-medicated nasal spray made with micro-filtered seawater. Just the thing to help younger ones breathe more easily at night (which means their parents can get some rest, too!).

Note: if you or someone in your whānau has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or a persistently high fever, seek medical advice immediately. 

Immune support for cold and flu season

There’s no cure for cold or flu, and no surefire way to avoid them either. But there are lots of ways to help keep yourself and your whānau healthy. Let’s talk about supporting your immune system so that you’re less likely to get sick in the first place!

The best immune system support 

Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are essential for good health - but it can be quite a mission to get enough of them every day. That’s where an immune supplement can help. 

GO Healthy GO Vir-Defence supports the body’s natural defences with a high potency herbal blend of olive leaf, echinacea, garlic, zinc and vitamin C. All of nature’s best immune support in one capsule! 

Thompson's Immunofort is another of our most popular immune supplements. This daily multi contains a range of essential vitamins and minerals along with Chinese and Western herbs to support healthy immune defences. For the kids, there’s Immunofort Junior - yummy strawberry chewables packed with nutrients!

If you want to harness the benefits of garlic without the, er, side-effects, Nutra Life Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract is a winner. Scientifically formulated to support the immune system, cardiovascular health, and wellbeing all year round.

And because we all need Vitamin C, Nutra-life Ester C is a non-acidic form that offers 24-hour immune support. Available in both tablets and chewables, Ester C may help to support

recovery for winter ills when taken regularly.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Bargain Chemist has a huge range of products to help you get through the flu season. The sooner you stock up, the better! 

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare

professional.