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Sniffles, Coughs and Congestion… oh my! It’s That Time of Year!

By Sarah Scott Sep 22, 2026 | 12:12 PM

Pic: https://nextcare.com/

Cold and flu season in Canada typically runs from October through April, with peak activity occurring between December and February.

I feel like it may have started a little early this year – who doesn’t know someone who’s sick with something right now?

Now, according to health experts, virus activity increases in the fall as people spend more time indoors and the season can last up to 16 weeks.

If you have no time to get sick and your stressing about it, we have gone online for some prevention strategies:
  • Flu Shot: If you are comfortable doing so and able to do so, get a flu shot. It is recommended for aged 6 months and older.
  • Wash Hands: Clean hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when warm water and soap is not available.
  • Avoid Touching Face: Keep unwashed hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth to stop germs from entering your body.
  • Disinfect Surfaces: Clean frequently touched objects like doorknobs, phones, and counter tops regularly.
Once you are sick, it sucks, but these remedies ease discomfort:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, broth, and warm tea to thin mucus and soothe your throat.
  • Rest: Your body needs rest to heal.
  • Use Honey: Take honey to calm a cough for adults and children over one year old (never give honey to infants under one).
  • Gargle Salt Water: Relieve a scratchy or sore throat by gargling with warm salt water.
  • Medications: Sore throat sprays, lozenges, cold relief medicine or hard “candy.” Take care when giving lozenges or hard candy to children because they can choke on them. Adults can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.
  • Add Moisture: Run a cool-mist humidifier or breathe in steam from a warm shower to ease nasal congestion.

Although colds go away on their own, they can and most likely will make you feel awful for a few days. The best relief and remedy comes from taking care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands and stay home if you can so you don’t give your cold to others.

Please note: We are not medical experts, these tips are from the world wide web. You should consult your doctor or health professional before trying anything new or  if you are unsure of your symptoms.

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