As quickly as it arrived, winter is making an exit.
The days are getting a little longer, spring is around the corner and many of us are ready (and not to mention eager) to pack away blankets and wave goodbye to cold and flu season. So why does it seem like everyone is still coughing, sneezing and reaching for tissues?
If you’ve found yourself battling another sore throat or listening to colleagues and family members complain about being sick, you’re not alone. This in-between-weather time is often the time when many people expect illnesses to disappear, but the reality is that viruses don’t follow the calendar.
One of the biggest myths about colds and flu is that they only occur during winter and cold spells. While colder weather can create conditions that favour the spread of certain viruses, many viruses continue circulating as the seasons change. In fact, recovering from one cold doesn’t necessarily protect you from the next, as hundreds of different viruses can cause cold-like symptoms.
“People often think that once winter starts to come to an end, the risk of getting sick disappears too, but that’s simply not the case,” says Lindie Pretorius, Brand Manager for Linctagon®. “As one virus starts to decline, others may still be making the rounds, which is why it can sometimes feel like the cold and flu season simply refuses to end.”
Why does it feel like everyone is sick at once?
Late winter can be something of a “false finish”. After months of staying indoors and limiting activities, schools are back in full swing, sporting fixtures resume, family gatherings become more frequent and social calendars start filling up. Every handshake, shared workspace and social event creates another opportunity for germs to spread.
At the same time, many people begin relaxing the healthy habits they’ve maintained throughout winter. We open windows, spend more time in crowded public places and return to busy routines, often before we’ve fully recovered from a recent illness.
Could it be allergies instead?
That scratch at the back of your throat or constant runny nose may not always be another cold. As spring approaches, pollen levels begin to rise, triggering seasonal allergies for many people.
Generally, allergies are more likely to cause itchy eyes, repeated sneezing and a clear runny nose without a fever, while colds often bring sore throats, body aches and an overall feeling of being unwell. In some cases, the symptoms can overlap, making it even more difficult to know what’s causing your discomfort.
Using cold and flu support product with added immune benefits such as Linctagon® C-Plus NAC 200 can help during periods when colds, flu viruses and seasonal allergies are more common, to help keep you going. Combined with healthy daily habits, this product can help you prepare for seasonal changes and support your body’s natural defences throughout the transition from winter to spring, helping you to get better faster.
