How to survive a horrid cold or flu this autumn

Learn how to get through a cold or flu this autumn with these top tips.

As summer closes up for the year, try out some of these tried and tested methods to help you get through all your sniffles in one piece.

Drink honey and lemon tea

To make the honey and lemon tea, boil some water, pour it into a mug, stir in one and half tablespoons of lemon juice and two teaspoons of honey. The honey will help soothe your sore throat, while the lemon helps to clear up a blocked nose. Plus, the vitamin C in it is also good for fighting infections.

Use a nasal decongestant

Nasal decongestants can provide immediate relief by reducing inflammation of the nasal passages and slowing mucus production. They are available in both tablet and sprays and are sold over-the-counter at most pharmacies. But research has show that overuse of it (over three to five days) can make mucus production worse – so be careful.

Flush out your sinuses

Try flushing out the sinuses with a neti pot. The neti pot contains a saline solution which is poured in one nostril and out the other. This thins the mucus in the nasal passages, which then allows it flush away. You can buy the saline solution is most pharmacies.

Blow your nose

Many experts claim that it is important to blow your nose when you’re suffering from a cold, as this rids the body of surplus mucus, helping you to decongest. But don’t reach for the toilet paper as this will irritate the skin on your nose. Instead, try tissues that are specifically designed for blowing your nose like Kleenex. The Kleenex Balsam tissues are particularly soothing when you have a cold or flu as they have a touch of comforting balm in them. Plus, you can buy pocket pack of them – ideal for when you’re on the go.