Experts warn of an uncertain winter for the UK, with flu and Covid circulating.
After lockdowns and mask-wearing, which cut infection rates, we may also be more susceptible to cold viruses, with people complaining of ‘super-colds’.
The outbreak is being blamed by some on the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which typically causes a runny nose, cough and sore throat — and is usually a common cause of winter illness in the under-twos.
Over-the-counter flu and cold remedies will also help. Angela Epstein asked Professor Simon Lloyd at Manchester Royal Infirmary to examine them.
Kaloba Pelargonium Cough & Cold Relief Oral Drops
Kaloba Pelargonium Cough & Cold Relief Oral Drops
20ml, £6.99, kaloba.co.uk
Claim: A herbal ‘medicinal product’ which, the manufacturer claims, can ‘relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections such as common cold, sore throats and coughs’. Take immediately if you feel the symptoms of a cold.
The oral drops are suitable for children over six years old. They can be taken from a spoon or mixed in water.
Expert verdict: Pelargonium, a member the geranium family, has a long-standing history of traditional medicine for treating colds.
Some people claim to feel relief from it, but there is not much evidence that it is actually effective. It is safe to be taken by all ages. If you don’t want to take other medicines, it is worth trying.
3/10
Otrivine Extra Dual Relief
10ml, £7.99, boots.com
Otrivine Extra Dual Relief
Claim: A nasal spray that claims to unblock your nose six-times faster than decongestant tablets. It contains xylometa- zoline hydrochloride, which ‘has a decongestant effect’, and ipratropium bromide, which ‘reduces nasal mucus secretion’.
To use, close one nostril and spray the other. Tilt head slightly forward and squirt — inhaling at the same time. Repeat on the opposite side.
Expert verdict: This has two active ingredients — ipratropium bromide, which relaxes the muscles that line the airways within the lung, therefore making it easier to breathe, and xylometazoline hydrochloride, a decongestant that shrinks the lining of the nose, also making breathing easier.
Both medications have been shown to be effective in relieving cold symptoms. However, decongestants should not be used for longer than five days as they can cause swelling and worsen symptoms.
8/10
ColdZyme Mouth Spray
ColdZyme Mouth Spray
20ml, £17.50, boots.com
Claim: This is said to work against the cold virus itself — rather than just treat symptoms.
The manufacturer claims that the spray forms a protective barrier in the throat that traps the virus and stops it from infecting cells. The body then naturally gets rid of it.
ColdZyme claims it can reduce the duration of cold symptoms if taken at the first sign of symptoms. To use, spray into the throat — one dose every second hour up to six times daily during the time you are exposed to the cold virus or until symptoms decline.
Expert verdict: ColdZyme’s main ingredients are glycerol (a colourless, odourless thick liquid that traps virus in the throat). It also contains trypsin, an enzyme that, it is also claimed, inhibits the virus’s ability to bond with and infect healthy cells.
But evidence is mixed. Some studies show it may offer little protection — but a paper earlier this year in the European Journal of Sport Science suggested it could shorten cold duration by up to a third.
It is not a cure for the mouth, and it does nothing to stop viruses from entering the nose.
7/10
Strepsils Soothing Thoroat Spray
Strepsils Soothing Thoroat Spray
20ml, £6.99, boots.com
Claim: A throat spray with a substance called PolysacActive, honey, and which the manufacturer claims can soothe a sore and aching throat.
Spray directly on the back of the throat, every two to 3 hours, or as needed. Children over 3 years old can use this product.
Expert verdict: Honey is a natural and safe remedy for soothing sore throats, and improving coughing.
A review of the most reliable studies on honey’s effectiveness has shown that it can relieve coughing and reduce the duration of the symptoms. Honey may also soothe the throat, though evidence for this is not clear.
PolysacActive claims to create a protective coating at the back of your throat that soothes it. It also helps with coughing. It is still a relatively new product, and there is no evidence that it can soothe the throat or relieve a cough.
6/10
Nasal Guard Cold & Flu Block Topical Gel
Nasal Guard Cold & Flu Block Topical Gel
3g, £11.99, nasalguard.co.uk
Claim: A thick gel that blocks out viruses from the air, which is claimed to reduce the chance of getting sick with colds and flu.
It advises that it is best used in situations where you may be exposed to ‘contaminated air’ — such as crowded places, where viruses may easily spread. Every four to six hours, apply a thin layer of it around the nose.
Expert verdict: This drug-free gel does not appear to cause any side effects and aims to immobilise virus particles so they don’t get inhaled into the lungs.
I’m not aware of any evidence that it reduces the risk of getting a common cold. That said, it won’t do any harm — although it is pricey.
5/10
Life Healthcare Steam Inhaler Cup
Life Healthcare Steam Inhaler Cup
£4.99, lifehealthcare online.com
Claim: This steam inhaler — in the form of a cup with a face mask attached to it — is said to help clear the airways because its warming and moisturising effects help loosen mucus and catarrh, as well as relieve the symptoms of coughs, colds, flu and blocked sinuses.
Expert verdict: This device helps people with colds inhale more effectively.
It increases the inhaled steam and other decongestants when compared to putting your head on a bowl with a towel, the old-fashioned way.
It can be used together with any inhaled antidecongestants.
Olbas oil and even menthol, for example, can be very helpful.
8/10
Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu Relief Capsules
16 capsules, £4.75, boots.com
Claim: This combination pack contains two types of capsules that can be used to treat flu symptoms at night and during the day.
These claims claim to provide relief from headaches, blocked noses, body aches, and sore throat.
Expert verdict: This product is effective at relieving cold symptoms.
Both night and day capsules contain paracetamol (a painkiller) and phenylephrine (a decongestant). These capsules will reduce the symptoms of colds such as headaches, fever and nasal blockage. There is strong evidence for their effectiveness.
The day capsules also contain caffeine, which acts as a stimulant to relieve fatigue and drowsiness and speed up the absorption of other medications — helping them act more quickly.
Take two capsules every four- to six hours.
9/10
Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu Relief Capsules
Holland & Barrett Echinacea Cold & Flu capsules
Holland & Barrett Echinacea Cold & Flu capsules
30 capsules, £9.49, hollandandbarrett.com
Claim: A traditional herbal remedy for colds that may increase the activity of infection-fighting immune cell, also known as natural killer cells.
Expert verdict: There was a very well-conducted review by the Cochrane organisation — which vets the evidence for different drugs — that found no benefit from using echinacea to treat colds compared to a placebo (dummy) tablet.
It is safe and can be used in conjunction with paracetamol, as well as other cold medicines, so it may be worth a try.