From School Bells to Sore throat, Coughs and Flu: Quick tips to Keep Healthy This Fall

Fall is almost here, with back-to-school routines, cooler weather, colourful leaves—and cold and flu season, bringing back sore throats, coughs, and flu-like symptoms. Here are useful tips to ease discomfort and support wellness. 

1. Soothing a Sore Throat1-2

The throat, like the nose, is a key airway exposed daily to germs. Most sore throats (70–90%) are viral; 10–20% are bacterial. These few tips can help to ease the discomfort: 

• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 2 litres of fluids daily—water, soups, or herbal teas—to soothe irritation. 

• Think of honey: Add a spoonful of warm tea or lemon water to coat and calm the throat. 

 

2. Calming a Cough3-4-5-6-7

Coughing is a natural reflex to clear irritants like mucus, dust, or viruses. It can linger and disrupt sleep. Try to manage a cough with: 

• Warm drinks: Ginger tea, broth, or warm water with honey and lemon can relax the airways and soothe the throat. 

• Steam or humidifiers: Loosen mucus and ease breathing. Add eucalyptus oil for extra relief. 

 

3. Relieve Flu-like Symptoms8

Fever, chills, and fatigue can be draining. Rest is essential. Try these useful natural hacks: 

• Wet sock therapy: Wear wet cotton socks under dry wool socks overnight to boost circulation and ease fever. 

• Warm air inhalation: Use a hair dryer on warm (not hot), held 45 cm from your face, and breathe through your nose for up to 20 minutes. 

 

4. Boost Your Immune System9

Prevention is key. Support your immune system with: 

• Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, bell peppers. 

• Probiotics: Found in yogurt and fermented foods. 

• Good sleep and stress management. 

 

Boiron Essentials* for Cold & Flu Season 

If you feel a cold or cough coming or just flu-like symptoms, it’s best to react quickly. Be prepared with these must-haves on hand in your family’s pharmacy: 

 

Stodal® Mutli-Symptom*, a homeopathic medicine for the relief of cold symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, minor sore throat, dry and wet cough and chest congestion*. Non-drowsy and with no dye, it can be used day & night and is offered to adults & children 12 years +.   

Coryzalia Children* is a homeopathic medicine that relieves colds and cold symptoms, like nasal congestion, runny nose, and rhinitis. For children 1 month to 11 years, it comes in sterile, drinkable, easy-to-administer unit-doses. Sugar-free, dye-free, and preservative-free, Coryzalia is hygienic, convenient, and easy to carry anywhere. 

Children’s Stodal Herbal Syrup**: a new plant-based syrup for Kid’s Cough and Cold 

Traditionally used in herbal medicine to help relieve Cough & Cold symptoms, this syrup is made with 100% naturally-sourced plant extracts (Ribwort plantain, Scots pine, Marshmallows), which complimentary action helps soothe the upper respiratory tract. It’s alcohol-free, preservative-free, dye-free, allergen-free, vegan, and gluten-free. Designed for kids aged 5–14, with a pleasant taste and an easy-to-use cup, it’s a natural ally for relieving children’s cough and cold. 

 

Be prepared with Oscillo! 

A homeopathic medicine that relieves flu-like symptoms like body aches, headaches, fever, and chills, Oscillococcinum* also helps to reduce their duration. It comes in pre-measured, easy-to-swallow doses, is non-drowsy, and contains no dye or preservatives, for day or night use. A true ally in relieving flu-like symptoms for the whole family. 

 

*These Boiron’s health solutions may not be right for everyone. Always read and follow the label; these claims are based on traditional homeopathic references and not modern scientific evidence. 

** Traditionally used in herbal medicine; used as a supportive therapy in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., common colds) 

References 

1 Canadian Family Physician – Acute Sore Throat;  

2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403 ;  

3 https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/overview;  

4 Chronic Cough – Calgary COPD & Asthma Program;  

5 GoodCaring.ca – How to Cough Up Phlegm ; 

6 Mayo Clinic – What to Do If You Get a Respiratory Infection 

7 Mayo Clinic – Cold Remedies: What Works, What Doesn’t;  

8  Best Health Magazine – Natural Home Remedies for Colds and Flu ;  

9 Health Canada – Reference Values for Vitamins