It may be difficult to avoid germs if someone is coughing and spluttering over you in the office or supermarket queue, but if you keep your body healthy and ready to fight infection you are less likely to suffer such severe symptoms.

The common cold and the flu are more prevalent over winter, but anyone can catch a dose at any time of year because it has nothing to do with the weather. That is just one popular myth exploded; read on for more…

COLD AND FLU MYTH BUSTERS

• If you get more colds in winter, it’s because cold weather forces you indoors putting you in closer proximity for longer with infectious people.
• You cannot catch a cold from getting cold or wet but if you’re run down, tired or stressed then you are more prone to infection.
• Coughs and sneezes spread diseases, yes that’s true, as viruses are coughed or sneezed out in droplets to be breathed in by someone else. However, you can also spread germs by touching something after blowing your nose. 
• You cannot catch flu from a flu vaccine because it contains dead virus. You may feel sore or unwell for a day or two but this is a reaction to the vaccine and not a flu caught from it.
• Taking antibiotics does not help with a cold or the flu as both are caused by viruses and antibiotics only work against bacterial infections.
• The old adage “Feed a cold and starve a fever” is not the best way to treat a cold or the flu; sensible nutrition and plenty of fluids are important for recovery whenever you are sick.
• Chicken soup has no benefit on its own but makes you feel better because someone has made the effort to prepare it and spend time with you.
• A hot toddy is not helpful as it contains alcohol, which can dehydrate you further and should be avoided when you’re sick.

TREATING SYMPTOMS
So now you know the real facts on colds and flu, you might want to know how to treat the symptoms once they kick in.

Coldrex cold and flu preparations with multiple active ingredients can effectively relieve the individual symptoms that have the greatest impact on your wellbeing, namely:

• Headache and fever
• Runny congested nose
• Cough.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLDREX SOLUTION
The new Coldrex range includes Coldrex PE Cough, Cold and Flu and Coldrex PE Cold and Flu Plus. Both preparations are effective for headache, sinus pain and relief of a blocked nose and congestion because both contain…

• Paracetamol: works by blocking the production of chemicals that stimulate pain and cause fever.It acts on the part of the brain that controls body temperature, helping reset your thermostat and lower fever.
• Phenylephrine: works by narrowing the blood vessels in your nose and throat and helping drain a runny nose to relieve congestion and clear that stuffy, blocked feeling.

If you have a chesty cough, choose Coldrex PE Cough, Cold and Flu containing…

• Guaiphenesin: thins and loosens phlegm and mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up, reducing congestion. 

For extra pain relief choose Coldrex PE Cold and Flu Plus, which also contains…

• Caffeine: best known for its stimulant properties in coffee, it acts to increase the pain-relieving properties of paracetamol when taken medicinally.

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Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Incorrect use could be harmful. Medicines have benefits and some can have risks. Coldrex® PE Phenylephrine Cold & Flu Plus contains Paracetamol 500mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5mg and Caffeine 25mg per tablet. Coldrex® PE Phenylephrine Cough, Cold & Flu contains Paracetamol 250mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5mg and Guaiphenesin 100mg per tablet. For the relief of pain, fever and congestion associated with cold and flu symptoms. Do not use if you have high blood pressure. Avoid consuming too much caffeine or other caffeine-containing products when taking this medicine. Precautions include allergies to paracetamol, phenylephrine, caffeine or other ingredients in the product; and liver or kidney disease. May cause sleeplessness, dry mouth, increased blood pressure or increased heart rate. Coldrex® is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Auckland, New Zealand. TAPS NA3004

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