Brits are oblivious to one of the simplest ways of shaking off a cold, according to research.
New findings find that seven in ten of us are unaware that good nasal hygiene is one of the simplest ways to support their immunity against cold and flu, with almost the same percentage (64 per cent) confessing they take their clear and breezy airways for granted.
And over a fifth (21 per cent) admit to not knowing what nasal hygiene even is, with a third believing it was simply blowing their nose and one in 10 thinking it was picking their nose.
New research from nasal spray brand Stérimar also reveals Brits are trying a whole host of remedies ranging from the usual to the more bizarre, with almost one in two (48 per cent) believing taking extra vitamins such as drinking a glass of orange juice is one of the best ways to ward off feeling under the weather.
And just under a third (31 per cent) believe in 'feeding a cold and starving a fever’, with 29 per cent thinking that going outside without a coat on will mean you catch a cold.
Nearly a third (29 per cent) believe that going to bed with wet hair will result in a cold – and seven in 10 Brits also agreed that trying to proactively prevent an illness is better than curing the symptoms.
Dr Zoe Williams, who has partnered with Stérimar, said: “Prevention is better than cure, so people should be looking to support good functioning of their immune system and be reminded of other measures, such as hand hygiene to avoid getting poorly.
“Some well-known ways to help maintain a healthy immune system include getting enough sleep, being physically active, staying hydrated, and having a healthy diet, which should include vitamin D.
“But, there’s one remedy that is proven to work – that many Brits do not know about – practicing good nasal hygiene. This is the practice of keeping nasal passages clean and clear with help from a non-medicated nasal spray such as Stérimar.
“The nose acts as a natural barrier against viruses and keeping sinuses clean will ensure the nose is working properly, helping keep cold and flu symptoms at bay.”
Popular measures to stay healthy include trying to sleep seven to eight hours a night (50 per cent) and taking Vitamin D (33 per cent).
But only 16 per cent practiced good nasal hygiene – one of the simplest and most effective ways to support their immunity against cold and flu.
It also emerged adults try various home remedies when they are ill, with 11 per cent turning to cups of soup to ‘sweat out’ their illness, 19 per cent have a ‘hot toddy’, 18 per cent choose to sleep sitting up and 22 per cent choosing to have steamy baths.
Other unconventional and bizarre home remedies Brits turn to include eating raw onions (7 per cent), rubbing goose grease on their chests (5 per cent), wearing cold and wet socks to bed (6 per cent), and eating oysters (5 per cent).
Just under half (48 per cent) of those opting for home remedies use those passed down from their parents or grandparents, while nearly a third (31 per cent) received wisdom from a friend or relative.
Dr Williams added: “Brits also swear by their favoured home remedies when struck down with a cold or flu, especially those that have been passed down through the generations or recommended by friends.
“However, most don’t have any scientific backing – and what works for one person may not work for someone else.”
For more information, visit: https://www.sterimarnasal.co.uk/our-products/cold-and-sinus
