It's that time of the year when we all have to be extra careful because "uso ang sipon at ubo."
While it may sound cliché, prevention is truly better than cure.
There are ways to fight off these viruses right at the onset, so we shouldn’t wait for them to spread before starting with remedies or medications.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asks 33 people—a mixed of GenZs and millennials attending movie premieres—their top 5 "iwas-sipon at ubo" products.
Here are their top answers in no particular order.
WAYS TO PREVENT COLD VIRUSES
NASAL SPRAY
The packaging of Vicks First Defence clearly states what it can do: "Helps stop a cold."
The important things to remember are:
(1) it has to be used at "first signs"—scratchy throat, tickly nose, or sneezing.
(2) it can be used within "36 hours of experiencing first symptoms."
People who tried it claimed, "Hindi talaga tutuloy sa sipon."
Why?
According to the brand's website, the micro-gel formula traps the cold virus in the nose, so it doesn't develop and spread. It eventually goes away through stomach or blowing one's nose.
Price: PHP599 via Watson's official store on Shoppee.
GARGLE SOLUTION
Betadine gargle claims that it can kill "99.99% of viruses and bacteria in as early as 30 seconds."
The brand's studies have shown that it has the power to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and fungi that are associated with "respiratory infections such as common cold, MERS, flu and pneumonia."
Again, you have to use it the minute you feel your throat is itchy.
Price: PHP219.50 on SouthStarDrug.com.
SUPPLEMENT
Echinacea, a purple flower found in North America, is said to be effective in decreasing "the risk of getting a cold by 58% if taken as a supplement."
The Healthy Options website indicated: "It is recommended that it be taken from the onset of viral symptoms until 48 hours after the symptoms disappear."
Price: PHP675
ZINC
Studies have shown that deficiency of this mineral can result in weak immune system.
The Texas-based medical website healthcareassociates.com mentions that taking "9-24 mg of elemental zinc per dose has the best effect."
Poten-cee + Zinc has 10-mg elemental zinc.
Price: PHP230 for a box with 30 capsules on Lazada; PHP156.25 for the 120-ml syrup for kids, still on Lazada.
Taking zinc lozenges within 24 hours of experiencing symptoms can help reduce the length of a cold.
This is not part of the top answers, but PEP Executive Editor Karen Caliwara recommends the Zand Elderberry Zinc Herbalozenge Sweet Elderberry, which soothes the throat sans the acids.
Price: PHP280 for a pack containing 15 lozenges at Healthy Options.
WAYS TO PREVENT Cough VIRUSES
THROAT SPRAY
One of the first signs of cough is sore throat, and the minute it becomes scratchy, use Kamillosan M spray right away.
These natural ingredients—chamomile extract, methyl salicylate, peppermint oil, sage oil, anise oil, dawrf-pine needle oil, bergamot oil, cineo—are said to be gentle on throat but harsh to the viruses.
It can also be used for mouth sores or singaw and even bad breath.
Price: PHP480 on SouthStarDrug.com.
MOUTHWASH
Gargle with Bactidol Oral Antispetic for 20 seconds, and you get to kill 99% of sore throat causing viruses in just 30 seconds, and get protection for 12 hours.
It can also treat mouth sore or ulcer, thrush, gingivitis (bleeding gums), and halitosis (bad breath), and prevent tooth decay by protecting tooth surfaces
Price: PHP143 on SouthStarDrug.com.
LOZENGES
Strepsils and Difflam have a variety of lozenges for different type of sore throat and cough problems.
Difflam has variants for dry and tickly as well as painful and stabbing sore throats.
Price: PHP318 on South Drug's official store on Lazada.
Strepsils has something for sore throats, dry cough, chesty cough, and even for children.
Price: starts at PHP70.50 on Lazada.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The products worked for the respondents, and they may work for you, too, but it's best to consult a doctor first and also find out their contraindications.
More tips to shoo away cough and cold viruses
Herbal Teas
The most available types of tea for respiratory-related problems are ginger, lemon, green, honey, and peppermint.
They all have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and ease cold and cough symptoms, like congestion and sore throat.
They're antioxidants, too, and have benificial effects on overall health.
A tip from the respondents: Drink it while it's hot.
WATER
All doctors will have this for advice: Drink lots of water.
WebMD explained, it does not only "soothe the scratch of a cough and keep you hydrated, but it also thins the mucus in your throat."
Besides, it's readily available.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Lack of sleep affects immune system, and reduces the production of infection-fighting antibodies and cells.
During sleep, the immune system releases proteins called cytokines, which are needed when you have an infection or inflammation or when you're under stress.
According to MayoClinic, "Studies show that people who don't get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus."
How about you? Which products do you swear by?