Autumn is here and winter is just around the corner. Like it or not, that means colds, flu and sometimes bronchitis. Colds and flu are not much fun, but believe it or not, they are part of the body's natural healing process. Fever is the body's defence mechanism to try to kill viruses with heat, which means blood circulates quicker helping with the healing. So, having a fever may mean a cold doesn’t last as long, and thus can actually be beneficial!
Having had a flu jab is poor comfort if you’ve got a cold or flu-like symptoms right now, but there are a few things you can do to make yourself feel better:
Many doctors recommend salt water nose rinsing which can be an effective way to ease congestion and helps clear out viruses and bacteria, so consult your pharmacist for the product that suits you.
Take it easy, stay indoors and keep warm while the body’s immune system does its work. Yes, work is important, but it’s not much fun for your workmates!
Try gargling with saltwater, which can ease a sore throat. Mix up the solution with a teaspoon of salt dissolved into a pint of boiled water that's been allowed to cool down properly. May get rid of some of the chlorine too!
Frequent hot drinks help relieve stuffiness and soothe the nose and throat. A nice cup of tea will also most likely make you feel better all round.
You’ll soon be fed up with blowing your nose but don’t blow too hard as this can cause germs and phlegm to be pushed into the ears which will can lead to ear infections. Blow your nose a nostril at a time by closing the other nostril with a finger and blowing gently into a tissue.
Guaranteed to perk you up is a hot steamy shower or bath. Better still the steam helps moisturise the nasal passages.
If your ears are blocked there is an easy low-cost solution, and that is to get your outer ear canals cleared by micro suction. During your treatment, a good ear nurse will be able to give you good advice on ear infections and any other problems with your ears, whether or not resulting from colds, flu or bronchitis.
Colds, bronchitis and sinus infections can keep fluid trapped in the middle ear behind the ear drum. When this happens bacteria and viruses can grow causing fullness or pressure in one ear or both. Pressure can lead to pain or headaches because unfortunately, your body responds by making more ear wax during this time (it’s the body’s way of protecting the ear drum from the pressure).
We can relieve the pressure in your outer ear canal by micro suction, a quick and effective no-fuss way of removing ear wax whilst also checking your ear health. The procedure is pain free, safe, comfy, instant and effective. If no wax is removed, there is no cost.
Always seek advice as soon as possible. The first step is to book an appointment with Ear Suction Hawke’s Bay for a free ear health assessment - we offer a no wax, no fee guarantee.