There is a simple and effective way of reducing respiratory viral infections this winter, but few people are aware of nasal and sinus washing and its benefits.
Last year, there were more than 200,000 flu cases in Australia1 causing widespread suffering for adults and children, adding more stress for parents and pressure on businesses.
Respiratory viruses invade and replicate in the nasal passages. What many people don’t realise is that washing inside the nose and sinuses with a saline solution can help flush out these viruses.
A sinus wash kit is easy to use, readily available in pharmacies and suitable for adults and children aged 6 and over.
The kit includes a bottle and sachets of powder which when reconstituted provide an isotonic solution.
Isotonic means the solution closely resembles the body’s natural fluids. This is important to ensure it does not cause discomfort when used and maintains the balance of the nasal environment.
Nasal and sinus washing with this special solution during respiratory viral infection helps to thin and wash away mucus, reducing the severity and duration of the illness2.
Pharmacist Gerald Quigley says; “This is a great way to stay healthy during winter when colds are rife. The advantage of using a preservative-free solution is that it is truly isotonic, mimicking the body’s own natural fluids so it’s gentle enough to be used daily.
As well as washing away viruses, rinsing the nose and sinuses can prevent build-up of mucus that may cause sinus pain, and can reduce excessive nose blowing, which can create irritation and discomfort.”
The flu vaccination can reduce the likelihood of contracting the flu by about 50 percent3.
While many people are already prepping for winter and getting vaccinated, they may not be aware that it takes approximately 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against flu viruses.4
This means there is still a two-week window during the post-vaccination period when a person may be vulnerable to respiratory viral infections.
Some pharmacies offering vaccinations are also providing sinus wash kits for this period.
Mr Quigley says that community pharmacies are an accessible resource during winter:
“With many community pharmacies now offering influenza immunisation in stores, it’s a good opportunity to get vaccinated and ask your pharmacist about other steps for minimising respiratory viruses or managing symptoms.
Nasal and sinus irrigation is a natural and effective therapy that has been around for decades. Not only can it help reduce nasal congestion symptoms, but it can help maintain nasal immunity by flushing out viruses, allergens and pollutants that are breathed in through the nose.”
Perth based Christina Watkins is a mother of two and works full-time for the army:
“I first started using a sinus wash when I was pregnant and got a cold. Being pregnant, there weren’t many options but I was very surprised to find it was really effective. I went back to work 28 days after having my first daughter. Once she started child care I found she was often picking up colds, so I used a nasal saline baby spray for her as well.
I prefer using products without chemicals or preservatives for the kids and use nasal salines for all of us when bugs are going around.”
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