About Cough & Cold

The one thing you don’t want to catch

Colds and flu may be caused by several viruses that spread from person to person. Try these simple steps to help keep you and your family healthier

a. Exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and get enough sleep.

b. Wash your hands often, especially during the peak cold and flu seasons (late winter and early spring). You can pick up a cold from a handshake, the telephone, even money.

c. Avoid touching the moist areas of your eyes, nose and mouth.

d. Avoid sharing cups, glasses, or utensils among family members, especially during the peak cold and flu seasons.

e. Always place your hand over your mouth when you sneeze, and wash your hands before you touch another person.

f. Use paper tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs to avoid giving the virus to others.
When you do catch it

a. The nose is the gateway for illness. It’s the primary way that common cold viruses get into the body. The most likely first symptoms of a cold are runny noses, sore throats, and sneezing.

b. Symptoms of cold or flu may include

i. Sore Throat

ii. Sneezing

iii. Watery Eyes

iv. Fever and Headache

v. Muscle Aches & Pains

vi. Fatigue

vii. Chills/Shivering

viii. Cough

ix. Runny or Blocked Nose

c. The symptoms of the flu are usually more severe, cold symptoms usually last 5 - 7 days, whereas flu symptoms can last 7 - 14 days
What to do

a. While you have a cold or flu…

i. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have a fever. Liquids are also soothing to a dry, irritated throat, and may help relieve coughing.

ii. Get adequate rest in a well-ventilated room.

iii. Use a cold-mist vaporizer to increase the humidity in the air. This can help loosen mucus and relieve a dry throat (be sure to clean the vaporizer after each use).

iv. Use a symptomatic reliever, such as Dimetapp Cold, Cough and Flu products to help you get some well-deserved relief.