Five extra days this winter... not to be sniffed at!
Mums could gain five extra days this winter if they took steps to protect themselves from cold and flu according to new research by Boots UK. Last winter 62% of mums had up to three colds resulting in an average of five days being lost to feeling under the weather with the sniffles.
The research highlights we are a nation resigned to coming down with a cold with 55% of mums admitting they do not do anything to help prevent getting a cold or the flu in the first place and 75% believing catching a cold or flu is an inevitability of the winter season. Only a third (32%) have had a winter flu vaccination to try and keep themselves protected from flu during the winter.
Everyone wants to make the most of winter and the results show that if mums could recapture the time lost to cold and flu last year, 44% would spend the time doing something fun with their kids, 36% would indulge in little more me time while a third (30%) would spend time with their partner.
Deepa Songara, Boots UK flu pharmacist says: “During the winter months, as we spend more time inside it is easy for cold and flu germs to be passed from one person to another. This is especially true for mums as the research found that on average, they interact with 11 different people each day
so it is important they take steps to stay well this winter – not only to protect themselves but also to help prevent other members of their family catching their cold or flu.”
Over half of mums surveyed (51%) thought that they had caught their cold from their child, a third (33%) believed their colleagues were responsible and 29% believe they passed their germs onto other members of their family.
Nearly a fifth (18%) have taken time off work due to a cold, plus a quarter (25%) missed out on social occasions with friends and 27% missed out on spending time with their children.
Deepa Songara, Boots flu pharmacist continues: “It is a common misconception that catching a cold or the flu comes part and parcel with the winter period. If you’re struggling to eat a healthy balanced diet, try supplementing your diet with vitamin C to help maintain a healthy immune system. Also by using a cold and flu defence nasal spray or considering a flu jab, Mums (or Dads!) can prepare for the winter months and gain back valuable extra time so they can make the most of winter.”
Deepa Songara, Boots flu pharmacist top tips for staying well this winter:
Always keeping your hands clean and germ-free by washing thoroughly with soap and water, especially before meals, and using an anti-bacterial gel or foam; a good vitamin C supplement to help support your immune system; and using an anti-viral nasal spray clinically proven to reduce the risk of catching colds or the flu
For busy parents always on the go, a Winter flu vaccination can help prevent catching flu and spreading it amongst the family
Talk to your pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as they will be able to advise you on the options available
With so many winter bugs flying round, to help you stay well this winter Boots UK has launched the NEW 1,2,3 to Winter Wellness pack (£12.99) which includes the Winter Flu Jab Service along with a gel nasal spray and vitamin C tablets at no extra cost (subject to availability):
Boots Winter Flu Jab Service is here to help protect you against flu.*
Boots Pharmaceuticals Cold Defence Nasal Spray – a gel nasal spray which has a clinically proven antiviral effect on the cold virus and can help reduce the risk of catching a cold. Suitable for children from one year and suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Boots Pharmaceuticals Vitamin C 200mg 30 tablets – vitamin C can help maintain a healthy immune system. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 12.
The 1,2,3 to Winter Wellness pack is available from now until early 2015. For further advice on helping keep seasonal sniffles at bay and how to manage symptoms should winter illness set in, talk to your local pharmacist.