Watkins Cold & Flu Tips

Flu season not likely to fly by any time soon! Although the flu vaccine offers the best protection from the flu and is recommended for the elderly and those with weak or compromised immune systems, there is still no vaccine that will treat all types of the flu virus, so whether or not you are able to get the flu vaccine this year, it is important for everyone to take precautions to minimize the spread of the flu virus, and to reduce the severity of symptoms. Tips for protecting yourself and others from seasonal discomforts: A natural ingredient that has been shown in several studies to have a specific antiviral effect against the influenza virus is elderberry juice. Data from these studies suggest a 50% reduction in both the severity and duration of symptoms in adults and children. (Research studies are listed below). Watkins Rezist Plus contains elderberry juice concentrate, along with astragalus and ImmuneEnhancer, found to be twice as effective as echinacea in boosting the immune system. One of the best things that you can do now and throughout the entire year to reduce your susceptibility to respiratory and seasonal discomforts is to take Watkins Rezist Plus everyday. Take Watkins Superfood Multiple/SuperMulti daily vitamin supplement regularly. It contains vitamins A, C and zinc, known to keep your immune system at its peak. If you are prone to bacterial infections such as sinusitis or bronchitis, take Watkins Garlic Oil Softgels. Garlic's immune-enhancing benefits and antibacterial properties may help prevent bacteria from invading your body. Use a variety of Watkins Herbs and Spices daily. Many herbs and spices have natural antibacterial and immune-enhancing properties. to learn more about all of Watkins herbs and spices. Take care of yourself. People who are run down, overworked, or not getting enough rest are at higher risk. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night and manage your schedule to avoid being run down. Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water, rubbing vigorously for about 30 seconds. Use Watkins Aloe & Green Tea (Antibacterial) Liquid Hand Soap for added protection from bacteria. Did you know that many colds and flu viruses are absorbed through your skin, especially if it is cracked and dry?  Follow-up frequent hand washings with Watkins hand lotions, hand salves or body butter to keep skin moist and to prevent skin dryness and cracking, which could lead to infection. Watkins Skin, Hair & Nails/SHN Formula supplement offers additional protection for skin.  If you find yourself one of the victims of seasonal discomforts, try the following to ease your symptoms: Take up to four Watkins Rezist Plus per day during the first 72 hours of symptoms. Watkins Red Liniment was our very first product - and it is still as effective today as in 1868: Using a cotton ball or tissue, dab Red Liniment on painful joints, muscles or head-ache areas and let it soak in for quick, long-lasting relief. For general achiness, draw a warm bath and when the water has stopped running, add 1/2 to 1 capful of Red Liniment to the water, and get in for a body soothing, head clearing soak.  This is great for children and adults alike. A tips to tell your friends - Watkins Red Liniment works great at relieving hang-overs! For an ear ache, rub Watkins Medicated Ointment/Menthol Camphor Ointment all around the outer area of the ear, including down the neck.  It has actually been known to drought infections! Don't worry about "slathering" Watkins Ointment on your chest, back or aching muscles - because ours contains no turpentine (like the competition), it will not stain any clothing or bed sheets - and it will not burn the skin, either! Watkins Menthol Camphor Bath Soak will add the comfort of menthol and camphor to make your warm bath even more soothing and relaxing.  The fragrance is added to pure, natural salts to soften bath water and your skin as you soak away the "chills", aches and pains. Try our all natural, herbal Watkins Cough Medicine (in Canada only) for your whole family!  It contains the same White Pine Extract that our "not-so-great-tasting" competition has - along with a pleasing "liquorice" flavour that even the kids will love! Watkins Cough Syrup Plus (in the US only) contains powerful ingredients like Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (a cough suppressant), and Phenylephrine hydrochloride (a nasal decongestant), along with a blend of ancient herbs and botanicals, all combined in a soothing base that helps coat a rough, dry throat irritated by coughing. Watkins Menthol "Breathe Easy" Relief Mist is like a vaporizer in a bottle!  Spray the room with 2-4 pumps and shut the door for long lasting relief.  This is great throughout the whole house! Watkins Menthol Lavender "Breathe Easy" Drops are wonderful for babies and toddlers - use on crib bumper pads, sleeper and pyjama collars, security blankets - anywhere your child comes in contact with, to help keep stuffy noses and croaky chests clear! Rub Watkins White Cream Liniment on your chest and back before going to bed.  It will work through the night to ease your congestion.  Note:  This product is recommended for adults only. Don't forget Watkins Settlez for those queasy flu symptoms.  Only 2 tsp/10 ml will work wonders for upset tummies and other digestive ailments. Use Watkins Petro Carbo Salve as a lip balm to heal up those pesky cold sores. Petro Carbo Salve is also wonderful when applied to cracked heels, rough elbows or dry, cracking hands.  You will find the healing process is much more rapid and a lot less painful, too. __________________________________________________________ Clinical studies on elderberry juice and influenza: "Randomized study on the efficacy and safety of an oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections" Thom Erling & Therje Wollan, J. Int. Med. Res., 2004;32(2):132-140. "Inhibition of Several Strains of Influenza Virus in Vitro and Reduction of Symptoms by an Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra L) during an Outbreak of Influenza B Panama", Z. Zakay-Rones et al. J. Alt Compl Med 1995;1:361-369.