Be prepared - The flu season has officially begun

The flu virus has started a month early and is currently sweeping the nation. More than 20 outbreaks have been reported in schools, hospitals and care homes and the NHS Direct has seen a threefold rise in the number of calls about colds, flu, fever and sore throats in December compared with September. GP consultations about flu-like symptoms have risen from 16.5 per 100,000 consultations in the last week of November to 27.6 per 100,000 in the first week in December.

The Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency have written to doctors informing them that levels are now high enough to warrant prescribing antiviral drugs to combat influenza in the elderly, small children and people with long-term illnesses.

Flu expert Dr Richard Peabody from the Health Protection Agency said: “If you do get flu this year, our advice is to stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies if they make you feel comfortable.”

So if you are one of the unfortunate people to catch the flu virus this winter, rest assured there are plenty of remedies, OTC and natural to help relieve your symptoms.

One of the top ten complaints people have when seeking treatment is a sore throat. Ultra Chloraseptic Spray is ultra fast, ultra targeted and unlike lozenges, the numbing spray goes right to where it hurts, giving relief in seconds. Ultra Chloraseptic contains the active ingredient Benzocaine, which belongs to the group of medicines called local anaesthetics. It has a swivel head applicator to help deliver the local anaesthetic and antiseptic direct to the throat.

Ultra Chloraseptic is available from pharmacies in the UK without prescription, please ask your pharmacist for Ultra Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray. It is available in two flavours - original menthol and cherry - and is priced £4.79 for 15 mls. Visit ultrachloraseptic.co.uk for more information.

New Covonia Catarrh Relief Formula is a unique liquid medicine developed to provide relief from catarrh and the only product that treats both the nose and throat. Catarrh is caused by the nose becoming inflamed and irritated causing the production of excess mucus. It is also a common symptom in people who smoke, resulting in a “smokers cough”. Interestingly Covonia Catarrh Relief Formula is non drowsy and priced at £4.09 for 100ml (20 doses).

Kaloba is a registered traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections including common cold, such as sore throat, cough and blocked or runny nose, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy. Kaloba is priced at £7.99 for 20ml. It should be taken at the first sign of a cold. Dosage: 30 drops orally, 3 times a day. Dosage in children six years and over: 20 drops orally, 3 times a day. Kaloba is available from Boots stores nationwide, for further information visit kaloba.co.uk.

The stresses of the season, rushing around the shops in the freezing cold and sorting out holiday arrangements can take their toll. So if you do find feeling under the weather Zinc can help you heal. Zinc is an essential mineral to human nutrition and body processes involved with protection and healing. Chelated Zinc Lozenge with Zinc Gluconate coat the membrane of your mouth and throat to soothe your symptoms. Holland & Barrett Chelated Zinc Lozenges cost £4.49 for 60 lozenges.

Don’t Spread Your Germs!

A recent survey by Covonia revealed that not covering your mouth when coughing and leaving tissues lying around were the most frustrating habits of people with a cold. When people sneeze cold and flu viruses are expelled and spread to the surrounding surfaces where they survive for hours and be easily passed on to the hands of another person allowing germs to spread very rapidly.

Flu expert Dr Richard Peabody from the Health Protection Agency, said “Good hand and respiratory hygiene such as covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, are important actions that can help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of transmission.”

A new survey of 3,000 people conducted by hygiene and sterilising experts, Milton, has revealed alarming results. In Britain 1 in 10 people do not wash their hands after going to the toilet making the spreading of germs rife! The grubby tale continues with a massive 69% of people not washing their hands before eating and another 63% not cleansing their hands after using public transport making the transfer of infected germs inevitable.

Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel is clinically proven to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses within seconds, without the need for water. This pleasantly scented hand gel is ideal for sanitising hands while on the go, at your desk or at home to prevent the spread of germs and viruses from hand to mouth and nose keep you cold free. Keep using at regular intervals throughout the day to keep the viruses at bay. Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel costs £1.99 and is available from all major grocery and pharmacy outlets. For further information, visit milton-tm.com.

Boost Immunity

A low or weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable to every type of illness or disease. While a strong immune system will cope with an attack from a new virus for which the body has no antibodies, one that has been weakened by poor nutrition and too much stress will struggle to get you back to good health. Research shows that an adequate intake of antioxidant nutrients from the diet may provide protection against excess free radicals, which have the potential to damage cells and interrupt many body processes, hindering the immune system.

Selenium-ACE Plus Vitaberry provides a quick and convenient way to continually safeguard everyday intake with antioxidants obtained from Grape seed extract Blueberries, Bilberries, Cranberries, Cherries, Raspberry seed extract and Strawberries. Each Selenium-ACE plus Vitaberry one-a-day tablet contains the organic essential trace mineral selenium, plus vitamins A, C and E with the added benefit of natural antioxidant polyphenols from fruit, to help maintain a healthy immune system and offer protection against free radicals. Priced £5.95, Selenium-ACE Plus Vitaberry is available from Boots , Tesco, Waitrose and Morrisons. For more information and further stockist details see Wassen.com.