Winter may bring the threat of colds and flu, but it doesn't mean your family is defenceless. By following these proactive measures, you can help reduce the risk of your loved ones falling ill during winter.
Get Vaccinated
One of the most effective strategies to protect your family from the flu is vaccination.1a There are additional flu antiviral medications that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.1b
Encourage Hand Hygiene
Teaching proper handwashing techniques to your family is a simple yet powerful preventive measure.1c Handwashing with soap and water can help eradicate germs and viruses from the hands. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers can be used when soap and water are unavailable.1d
Avoid Touching Your Face
Did you know that, on average, we touch our faces about 16 times every hour?2a This is a big no-no during the cold and flu season. If you come into contact with a virus – whether through another person or a contaminated surface – it can enter your system if your hands aren't adequately washed.2b Viruses can also be spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as a handshake. Maintain a hands-off approach. This prevents germs on your hands from being transferred into your mucous membrane (nose and mouth) and getting you sick.2c
Maintain a Clean Environment
Disinfecting frequently touched items in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops, will help prevent the spread of viruses.3a Clean these areas with soap and water, disinfectant wipes or spray with bleach, especially during cold and flu season.3b
Practice Respiratory Hygiene
Teach your family members to cover their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze. Using a tissue or the inside of their elbow is preferred over coughing or sneezing into their hands.4a This practice can prevent the release of respiratory droplets containing viruses into the air. And remember, to wash your hands and throw used tissues in the bin.4b
Use a Humidifier
Flu germs and other viruses thrive and spread more easily in dry air conditions.5a Increasing your indoor humidity level makes germs less likely to survive and spread to people around you. Humidifiers also help you breathe easier.5b Common flu and virus symptoms such as a runny nose, sinus difficulties, coughing, and a sore throat can make breathing difficult. Humidifiers moisten your nose, throat, and lung passageways, making it simpler for air to move through. When you're sick, try utilising a warm mist humidifier, which emits a soothing heated mist for added comfort.5c
How Adcock Ingram's Winter Warriors Campaign Can Help You And Your Family
Beat the winter chill with Adcock Ingram's Winter Warriors Campaign! Our lineup of products, including Panado®, Cepacol®, Compral®, and ViralGuard™, stands ready to assist your family in conquering winter colds and flu.
Panado®: The Ultimate Chill-Beating Pain Fighter
Panado® is trusted6 by South African families to offer relief of pain and fever associated with headaches, toothache and colds and flu. It contains paracetamol, an ingredient which boasts more than 150 years of clinical experience.7
Beat The Scratch And Soothe Sore Throats With Cepacol®
Cepacol®, renowned for its sore throat lozenges and hot medication, offers a range of solutions for cold and flu symptoms. There's a Cepacol® option for everyone this winter!
Get Fast & Targeted Pain Relief From Compral®
Don't let pain hold you back this, winter! Turn to Compral® for targeted pain relief. Available in both tablet and powder form, Compral® is ready to work in just 10 seconds.8
Guard Your Immunity and Beat the Bugs With ViralGuard™
ViralGuard™ offers a unique formulation with essential ingredients like antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, herbal extracts, and minerals, all known to support the immune system. The range includes delicious Fizzi chews, junior syrup, a throat spray and tablets.
Embrace the Winter Warrior within with the Adcock Ingram Range, featuring trusted brands Panado®, Cepacol®, Compral®, and ViralGuard™, available from Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Independent Pharmacies. To find out more, visit : https://adcockwinterwarriors.co.za/.
For more information about Panado®, visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook. For more information about Cepacol®, visit www.cepacol.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook. For more information about Compral®, www.compralpainrelief.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook. For more information about ViralGuard™, https://viralguard.co.za/ and join the conversation on Facebook.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy habits to help protect against flu. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm. Last accessed December 2023.
- Prevention. 13 best ways to stop a cold before it starts, according to doctors. Available from: https://www.prevention.com/health/a20469206/how-to-prevent-a-cold/. Last accessed December 2023.
- Optum. How to avoid getting sick (when everyone in your house is ill). Available from: https://www.optum.com/health-articles/article/healthy-living/how-avoid-getting-sick-when-everyone-your-house-ill/. Last accessed December 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coughing and Sneezing. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/coughing-sneezing.html#. Last accessed December 2023.
- Sylvane Indoor Health Matters. 4 reasons to use a humidifier during the flu season. Available from: https://www.sylvane.com/blog/4-reasons-to-use-a-humidifier-during-flu-season/. Last accessed December 2023.
- Circana, MT, Feb 2024 MAT.
- 150 years of paracetamol. GP Pharma Update Mar/Apr 2019.
- Compral pain powder dissolution evaluation. Document no. 23/AD/063.
For full prescribing information refer to the Professional Information approved by SAHPRA. Adcock Ingram Limited. Co. Reg. No.: 1949/034385/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa. Customer Care: 0860 ADCOCK / 232625. www.adcock.com. 2023121310329258. February 2024.