Hydralyte this Winter

Cold air means cold and flu season. According to surveillance data from Australian health authorities, the 2025 flu season saw nearly 100,000 influenza cases reported by mid-year, an increase on the previous year's figures, reinforcing the continued spread of respiratory viruses through the community each winter. In Queensland alone, more than 79,000 influenza cases were recorded last year.

To help prepare, experts say hydration isn't just for summer – it's one of the important components for preparation and recovery from cold and flu. Fever, congestion and reduced appetite can all contribute to fluid loss, making it important to replace fluids and electrolytes during illness.

St John Ambulance CEO Brendan Maher, says, "Dehydration isn't just a summer issue. Winter brings hidden risks and dehydration is one of them. Staying hydrated is just as important during the colder months, as it is in the peak of summer.

"Colder temperatures drive people indoors – whether into offices, classrooms, or daycare centres where viruses like the flu and common cold spread more easily through coughing and sneezing. While avoiding illness entirely may seem impossible, maintaining a health-conscious routine is the best line of defence against seasonal sickness. This includes a balanced mix of exercise, sleep, healthy diet and hydration."

However, this warning is being overlooked – with research by YouGov and Hydralyte finding that 4 in 5 Australians (80 per cent) aren't meeting the recommended daily fluid intake.

Harsh weather outdoors and heating indoors will dry you out, and often our water intake is lower in the colder months meaning you feel more dehydrated in winter than summer. You may even wake up feeling puffy, this can be your body trying it's hardest to retain water.  Some other signs of dehydration are:

The first thought would be to grab some water to hydrate, but adding hydralyte will actually help restore the body's balance and it includes minerals that aid the water to hydrate your body.