FLUSH OUT WINTER COUGHS AND COLDS

Water Wellpoint** offers tips on keeping the doctor away

There has been much media speculation about the impact of colds and coughs on UK businesses, with one cough company even suggesting that those feeling a bit under the weather should take a day off.  But hydration expert, Water Wellpoint, believes that some of the basic health precautions that our grandmothers and great grandmothers lived by, have been forgotten as more and more health treatments come onto the market.

"The reality of the matter is that drinking plenty of fluids and remembering to wash your hands regularly are key to staying healthy, especially when a variety of viruses and bugs are doing the rounds" confirmed Ben McGannan, Managing Director, Water Wellpoint.

"It has recently been reported* that nearly 7,000 working days per 100,000 workers will be lost to the British economy just in the first full working week of January as a result of winter coughs and colds.  Clearly this is a major issue, especially for smaller businesses where losing even one member of staff for a day could be a serious drain on resources.  But, whilst the advertising campaigns have stepped up for a variety of remedies, it's important not to forget some basic sensible precautions". 

"A cold or flu is passed in small droplets dispersed in the air by sneezing or coughing or by hand-to-hand contact. Rubbing the nose, mouth or eyes after contact allows the virus to enter the body. Water, juice and non-caffeine drinks are best and helps the mucus in the sinuses and lungs stay thin and easy to clear from the body, avoiding a blocked nose and chesty coughs. Stress, fatigue, poor nutrition, smoking and lack of exercise can also increase the risk of infection."

"As the current cold snap is predicted to continue for a few weeks yet, we advise people - young and old - to keep up their resistance and minimise exposure by taking simple precautions. Our top tips aim to help people boost their chances of staying healthy and get better quicker, if they do catch something."
 

The Water Wellpoint Guide to Cold Prevention

• Get a flu vaccine if you are high risk
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of liquids, especially water or juice
• Eat a balanced diet
• Take plenty of exercise
• Raising the humidity in your room may help
• Clean your hands frequently and keep them away from your nose, eyes and mouth
• Do not share eating utensils and drinking containers
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

The Water Wellpoint Guide to Cold Cure

• Stay at home when you are ill
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
• Use a nasal spray to reduce congestion, but not for longer than 3 days
• Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce pain and swelling of a sore throat
• Do not use antibiotics to treat a cold. They are not effective and could lead to antibiotic resistance in the future
• Try drinking plenty of water as an effective way to clear congestion and aid coughing

 *Source - The Times 6/1/09
** Wellpoint is a registered trademark solely owned by the Wellpoint Group Limited

For an interview with Ben McGannan or further press information please contact the Water Wellpoint Press Office at HSL:
Maddy Roles/Louise Fowler/Wendy Harrison - 020 8977 9132
maddy@harrisonsadler.com