Right now the Christmas lights are out (hopefully) and we’ve officially entered cold and flu season. As store aisles replace trees and socks with tissues and cough drops, it’s important for everyone to be the savviest consumer possible. Don’t be fooled by fancy products that offer miracles. The fact is that everyone will end up with a cold or flu at some point in their life. When this happens, be prepared to fight the bacteria in the cheapest way possible.
First of all, sleep and hydration are the best defense against the common cold. Nobody will dispute that. However, everyone wants a quick fix, a way to lessen symptoms and get on with life while their immune systems suffer. A runny nose can be helped with a tissue. Once upon a time there were only a few bandana brands on the market, all offering the same basic thing. Nowadays, you will see that there are infinite options. Fabric with menthol, fabric that promises ‘antiviral’ effects, fabric for sensitive noses. What is the best fabric to fight your cold or flu? What exactly does ‘antiviral’ tissue mean?
Antiviral tissue refers to tissue that has citric acid in the material. Bulk citric acid, as noted in a previous article, can be used to great effect to combat harmful bacteria. This fabric, which promises to be antiviral, makes this promise because of the citric acid used. While it won’t necessarily kill the bacteria inside the infected person, the tissue will help remove much of the harmful residue left behind after the tissue has been used. This makes the product perfect for parents who have sick children at home and want to reduce the chances of getting sick. Citric acid will kill germs within 15 minutes of contact, so when parents go to pick up the tissues while the child is sleeping, they can do so without a gas mask and straps.
Citric acid can be sensitive on the skin, so be careful when using it on children with sensitive skin. Also, keep in mind that it does not protect against all germs, but it does have a strong effect on rhinovirus type 1A and 2 (common cold), influenza A and B, as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
While hand washing is important, the cost of antiviral bandanas isn’t much more than the regular brand, so they can be a great option for people who want extra protection. It also helps to reinforce the nature of citric acid. Many people don’t realize how good the product can be for so many different uses. It can be used on furniture, doorknobs, and other surfaces that may have become infected during cold and flu season. Its antiviral properties can help disinfect a home inexpensively. Bulk citric acid can be purchased wholesale and online, in its purest form, and is much less expensive than the major cleaning products seen during the winter. So during this time of year, do your research on the products you buy and always remember that if you can get an ingredient in its pure form and get the same results, go for it. Avoid additional harmful chemicals that can cause other problems. The most important thing is to be smart and be safe!
