Prevention is Key: Cold & Flu Prevention

Since COVID-19 has played such a big part in our lives over the last couple of years, some of us may have forgotten about the common cold (which does not seem so common anymore) and flu. 

Unfortunately, we are not out of the woods just yet from cold and flu season, so here is a simple reminder of the things you can do to protect yourself and others who are vulnerable.

Throughout this blog, we will through some of the main symptoms to look out for, how to treat these symptoms using some of our Medicare cold and flu-related products, and most importantly, how to get you feeling like yourself again.

Know the symptoms:

Take action:

Now that we know the symptoms to look out for, let us look at some simple things you can do to minimise your chances of getting sick.

Wash your Hands:

While this is something that is second nature to us, we may sometimes underestimate the importance of hand hygiene. Here are some simple steps to follow for an effective hand washing routine.

1. Wet your hands with warm water and apply soap.

2. Rub your hands together ensuring you cover all areas while forming a soapy lather.

3. Using one hand, rub the other and ensure to interlock your fingers to achieve optimum results. Make sure to include your fingertips and knuckles too.

4. Do not forget your thumb - using the opposite hand grasp it and twist it using the other hand. Repeat this step for the other hand.

5. The entire process should take about 20 seconds. A clever way to time this is to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ when washing.

6. Finally, rinse your hands under warm water.

7. Using a clean/paper towel, dry your hands and using the same towel, turn off the tap to maintain cleanliness.

For when hand washing is not always possible, carry a hand sanitiser. Our handy 100ml travel size is perfect for extra on-the-go protection.

Shield up:

Face masks play an essential role in keeping us safe and can protect us from colds, flus, and airborne viruses. They also help to protect others around you if you are showing cold/flu symptoms. 

Find out more about the Medicare 3ply face masks that provide both comfort and protection to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Get enough sleep: 

Did you know that a third of adults are not getting the recommended 7-9 hours sleep per night? Lack of sleep can leave you feeling cranky, exhausted and can even weaken your immune system. 8-hour's sleep is the recommendation from professionals to help you feel your best.

Consider a Humidifier: 

Medicare Cirrus and Nimbus Humidifiers are perfect for eliminating dust, toxins, bacteria, and allergens from the air leaving you at lower risk of catching a cold/flu. 

They can also aid a good night’s sleep and the Medicare Cirrus Humidifier comes with LED lighting to help create a relaxing atmosphere to soothe you to sleep. Another top tip to for a good night's sleep is to go to sleep at consistent times each night to form a regular sleeping pattern. Wind down before bedtime and try to minimise your caffeine consumption throughout the day, especially late in the evening. To find out some more helpful tips on a good night's sleep, head over to our Instagram post.

Other top tips for cold and flu prevention:

• Get your flu vaccine each year if recommended by your healthcare professional.

• Minimise touching your face

• Limit stress where possible

Are you someone who needs to monitor your spO2 levels during cold and flu season or suffering from any of the following conditions: COPD, Asthma, Pneumonia, Lung cancer, Anaemia, or congenital heart defects? Our fingertip pulse oximeters gives painless, accurate readings within 10 seconds in the comfort of your own home. If you want to read more on how to use our pulse oximeters or know the recommended levels that your pulse and SpO2 should be, then head over to our recent blog post for more information.

To find Medicare products in a pharmacy near you, take a look at our stockists page. Your local pharmacist will be able to advise on the best product for your needs.

References:
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/cold-vs-flu-how-to-spot-the-symptoms/  
https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/can-face-masks-reduce-the-spread-of-colds/