It's that time of year again. The weather is changing, the temperature is dropping, and it seems like everyone around you is getting a cold. 

As we all know it is unpleasant and inconvenient to weather the cold storm, so we have explored some ways you can cope with the seasonal cold and flu, to overcome it quicker.

Rest Up

It sounds obvious, but it's important for you to take some time to yourself, stay in bed and sleep. This might seem difficult if you have a busy lifestyle, but it's important for you to rest up if you want to get better quicker. This may mean you need more sleep than you would typically need.

Stay Hydrated

To fight off a cold you need to make sure your body takes on a lot of fluids. This will help you to fend off whatever virus your body is fighting. Warm liquids can especially help to clear any mucus and congestion you may have. Staying hydrated also means being aware of the environment you are in. Colds thrive in dry air so consider using a humidifier if you have one.

Manage Your Symptoms

Typical cold symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, a blocked nose, sore throat and a headache. All of these things can be uncomfortable while you're trying to fight off a flu bug, so you may want to speak to a pharmacist about medicines that may help to manage your symptoms. Paracetomal and ibuprofen can help with aches and pains and to reduce a slight fever.

Keep Your Hands Clean

One of the reasons cold and flu bugs hang around for so long is because of how easily germs can be transferred from person to person. Be sure to dispose of any waste quickly, as germs can live for hours on a tissue. Also, hands can transfer germs from surface to surface, so wash your hands regularly to minimise the risk of catching that winter bug for a second time.

Most colds tend to run their course and clear up on their own, and following these steps should help you to nurse yourself back to health quicker. However, be sure to see a doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms or running a very high temperature.

To take a look at the cough and cold remedies we offer, click here.