Don’t suffer with a cold

Many people suffer from the common cold every winter, but there are some things you can avoid to minimise your chances of being affected by this illness.



You’re more likely to get a cold if you:

• are tired, or emotionally or physically stressed

• do not have a healthy diet

• are a smoker or are exposed to second-hand smoke

• live or work in crowded conditions

There are over 200 different viruses that can cause colds. Cold viruses spread through the air when someone with a cold sneezes or coughs. You may also catch a cold by touching things that have been touched by someone with a cold, such as a door handle.

You usually start having cold symptoms 1–3 days after contact with a cold virus. The cold can spread to others even before any symptoms appear. Before you experience any cold symptoms you could boost your immunity, especially if you are prone to catching a cold every winter.

How is a cold treated?

The best way to treat a cold is to rest and drink plenty of fluid, such as water. You can also gargle salt water, sip lemon and honey drinks or inhale hot steam.

There are no medicines that cure a cold. Because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics will not help.

However, you may feel better with medicines such as painkillers, nose drops or sprays, cough syrups and drops, throat lozenges and decongestants.

Symptom Relief

We can provide you with the best advice on Cold & Flu products which contain medicines to treat cold symptoms.