As winter approaches, so does the season of runny noses, sore throats, and sneezes. Colds and flu are more prevalent during the colder months¹, leading many to wonder why. Is the cold weather making us more susceptible to these illnesses, or are other factors at play?
How the cold influences the spread of colds and flu
1. Dry Indoor Air
When its cold outside… People tend to spend more time huddled inside, creating an environment where viruses can spread more readily from person to person¹. Winter air also tends to be dry, and cold dry air can weaken resistance¹.
2. Virus Stability
Cold weather can help respiratory viruses remain stable and viable². This could potentially increase the chances of infection².
3. Reduced Ventilation
Influenza is spread through droplets from infected people when they sneeze, talk, or cough³. Research suggests there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the relationship between ventilation and the control of airflow directions in buildings and the transmission and spread of infectious disease³.
When the outdoor air supply is decreased in buildings, the risk of being exposed to infectious droplets released by other people indoors increases³.
Opening a window or door is the simplest and cheapest way to ventilate a space. However, it may not be possible to have windows open during the winter months. An air filter system is one technique to boost ventilation in a home without compromising thermal comfort³.
How Cepacol® Can Help You and Your Family
While cold weather alone is not solely responsible for the prevalence of winter viruses, it undoubtedly plays a significant role. The good news is 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!
The Cepacol® range includes cough and cold syrup, plus cough and cold syrup specifically designed for nighttime relief. It also includes a throat spray and throat gargle, Medsip, a hot medicated drink in either ginger or honey lemon flavours and antibacterial throat lozenges in four great tasting flavours – regular, black current, honey & lemon and menthol.
Embrace the Winter Warrior within with the Adcock Ingram Range, featuring Panado®, Cepacol®, Compral®, and ViralGuard™, available from Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Independent Pharmacies. For more information about Adcock Ingram Winter Warriors, visit the website. For more information about Cepacol®, visit the website and join the conversation on Facebook.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Winter illness guide. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/winter-illness-guide. Last accessed December 2023.
- Audi A, AlIbrahim M, Kaddoura M, Hijazi G, Yassine HM, Zaraket H. Seasonality of respiratory viral infections: Will COVID-19 follow suit? Front Public Health. 2020 Sep 15;8:567184. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.567184. PMID: 33042956; PMCID: PMC7522168. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522168/#. Last accessed December 2023.
- Indoor Science. Ventilation helps reduce flu transmission. Available from: https://indoorscience.com/blog/ventilation-reduces-flu-transmission/. Last accessed December 2023.
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. 2023121310329374. December 2023.
