Being struck down by a cold or flu can affect your daily life, your family, and your ability to work or travel. The consequences can be worse for older people, or other vulnerable groups. Vaccines offer the best protection and should always be your first priority. Masks, social distancing and hand hygiene have become normal in everyday life, but what else can we do to protect ourselves?

Let’s take a closer look at how respiratory viruses are transmitted and how an innovative new nasal spray can help strengthen your armour this winter.

Colds and flu set to return with gusto

Living through a pandemic has highlighted the impact these viruses can have on ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. After two years of lockdowns and restrictions, health experts predict1 the cold and flu season is expected to roar back with a vengeance this winter. Health systems across Europe are already under immense pressure, so we’re being advised2 to prepare now.

How are cold and flu viruses spread?

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)3, you should maintain at least one metre distance from anyone with cold and flu symptoms and avoid crowded places. Working in the same office or being on the same bus as a carrier may be enough to be infected.

Cold and flu viruses are usually transmitted when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, and droplets end up in the noses or mouths of people nearby. Infection via surface contact can also occur, like touching something with a virus on it, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

What is VIRALEZE™?

VIRALEZE™ is an antiviral nasal spray developed by Starpharma that uses patented technology to physically trap and inactivate a broad spectrum of respiratory viruses, including colds, flu and other respiratory viruses.4

When sprayed into the nose, VIRALEZE™ forms a protective moisturising barrier that can physically trap and inactivate these viruses before they spread throughout the body. With cold and flu set to be rife this winter, VIRALEZE™ is another tool to help protect yourself and your loved ones.

How does VIRALEZE™ work?

The nasal cavity is considered a primary site where respiratory viruses like colds and flu take hold. VIRALEZE™ works by providing a protective moisturising barrier in the nose where respiratory viruses first attach and start to multiply.

VIRALEZE™ has been proven in laboratory studies to physically trap, block and inactivate a broad spectrum of cold and respiratory viruses. It contains an innovative ingredient called astodrimer sodium (SPL7013), which is antiviral and has been shown to trap and block, and thereby inactivate, a broad spectrum of respiratory viruses in laboratory studies conducted at the Scripps Research Institute.5

Astodrimer sodium acts by trapping viruses and blocking the interaction between virus attachment proteins, or “spikes”, and the cells that viruses are trying to infect. Once VIRALEZE™ traps the virus, it is blocked from infecting the cells.

How to use VIRALEZE™

VIRALEZE™ is a nasal spray that can be simply sprayed into the nostrils. Used in conjunction with other preventative/hygiene measures, VIRALEZE™ offers an added confidence and peace of mind.

Strengthen your defences this winter

Don’t leave things to chance this winter. The pandemic has shown that preparation and precaution are vital for protecting yourself and others in the colder months. Along with vaccines, masks and social distancing, add VIRALEZE™ to your winter defence kit for added confidence and peace of mind this cold and flu season.