Cold and flu season is here!
Many of us have a favourite season. Some prefer the long, hot days of summer; others the brisk beauty of a winter evening. Maybe you’re all about the rejuvenation of spring or the pumpkin-spice explosion of fall. When deciding which season strikes your fancy the most, however, cold and flu season is not likely a contender.
Cold and flu season tends to rear its ugly congested, feverish head some time between October and May, with peak activity between December and February. Both colds and flu are respiratory illnesses, but are caused by different viruses. Colds tend to be milder than the flu, which has more intense symptoms. Here are some tips to tell the difference:
Cold
- Symptoms build over 48 hours and include runny nose, watery eyes, stuffy nose, congestion, sneezing and coughing
- Symptoms tend to last between 3-10 days
Flu
- Symptoms come on quickly and include fever, chills, body aches and pains, weakness and fatigue
- Symptoms can last for hours or days and can linger for up to 3 weeks
SISU offers natural options for strengthening your immune system in preparation for cold and flu season. And, if you’re already under the weather, we have natural products to help lessen the severity and duration of your cold and flu symptoms. Here are some of our favourites:
Ester-C® 1000 mg
Ester-C® is a patented form of calcium ascorbate that is more bioavailable and easier on the stomach than regular vitamin C. These high-potency vegan tablets are enhanced with 200 mg citrus bioflavonoids to help strengthen your immune system.
Cold & Flu Rescue with Ester-C®
A natural alternative to over-the-counter medications, Cold & Flu Rescue combines non-acidic Ester-C®, the anti-inflammatory herb andographis, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and Echinacea to provide relief without side effects. Also available in a kid-friendly formula.
NAC 600 mg
N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or NAC, helps increase levels of glutathione in your body to protect lungs against respiratory illnesses. It can help to reduce symptoms of respiratory infection and decrease the frequency of chronic bronchitis flare-ups.
Zinc Lozenges
Naturally sweetened with a tasty lemon-lime flavour, these zinc lozenges support immune health to help improve your body’s resistance to infection. These lozenges are a convenient option for cold and flu season. You can also take them year round to promote clear skin and strong hair and nails.
Staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and adding moisture to the air with a vaporizer or humidifier are some other tried-and-true tactics for getting through cold and flu season. And don’t forget to wash those hands and sneeze into your elbow. You’ve got this!
