With the cold and flu season tightening its grip and a concerning new strain circulating, health officials are warning Britons to prepare. However, consumers are being urged not to waste money on overpriced remedies, as a simple, effective swap at the pharmacy or supermarket could lead to significant savings.
The Rising Threat of Winter Flu
Infections are already climbing well ahead of the typical rate for this time of year, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The situation is being closely monitored as the H3N2 strain, which contributed to Australia's worst flu season on record, is now expected to impact the UK this winter. This has led to a natural rush to stock up on medications, but the cost of familiar branded products can quickly become a burden on household budgets.
The Expert-Backed Money-Saving Swap
To combat this, money-saving pros at the consumer champion Which? have issued clear advice. In a recent social media video, a Which? employee highlighted a common misconception. "Something I never knew before I worked at Which? was when you're feeling a bit fluey, expensive branded cold meds aren't necessary," she explained.
The crucial advice is to choose own-brand or generic alternatives to big names like Advil, Calpol, or Lemsip. These products, often found on supermarket or discount store shelves, are legally required to contain the same active ingredients as their branded counterparts. They undergo the same rigorous testing and regulation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), ensuring they are just as safe and effective.
Why Generic Medicines Are Just as Good
The primary difference between a branded drug and its generic version usually lies only in the inactive ingredients, such as colourings or binders. The core medicinal component is identical. Brand names are created by the pharmaceutical company that first developed and patented the drug. Once that patent expires, other manufacturers can produce the same medicine, selling it under a different (generic) name at a much lower cost.
The Which? expert concluded by urging shoppers to check the active ingredients list on the packaging. By matching this to the pricier branded option, you can secure the same relief for a fraction of the price, making your winter health budget stretch much further.
