How Can Hypochlorous Acid Help During Cold & Flu Season?

Why Are Colds and Flu More Common in Winter?

Research shows that low humidity can impair the respiratory barriers and immune responses that help protect against infection. Cold, dry conditions can also influence how certain respiratory viruses survive and spread.^[1][2]

At the same time, everyday contact with others—including people who may be contagious before symptoms appear—creates more opportunities for exposure at school, work, home and in shared spaces.

When natural defenses are challenged and exposure to germs increases, the risk of infection can rise. That's why everyday hygiene deserves extra attention during cold and flu season.

Where Does Everyday Hygiene Make a Difference?

During cold and flu season, germs can move through everyday interactions—from coughing and sneezing to the hands and surfaces we share. HOCl's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including demonstrated activity against influenza viruses under studied conditions, makes it a useful ingredient in gentle, non-toxic cleansing formulations.^[3]

Clean Hands

Think about the everyday ways germs can travel:

• At school: Children share toys and classroom supplies, put fingers in their mouths and cough or sneeze into their hands—then bring those same hands home.
• On the go: Grocery carts, checkout screens, phones and door handles connect our hands to countless shared touchpoints.
• Face touching: One observational study recorded an average of 23 face touches per hour, including contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.^[4]

Clean hands help interrupt the everyday transfer of germs. Alongside regular handwashing, HOCl offers a gentle, alcohol-free, no-rinse option for more frequent cleansing throughout the day—especially during busy, on-the-go moments.

Learn more about hypochlorous acid as an alternative to alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Shared Surfaces

Those same hands touch classroom desks, toys, keyboards, counters and household surfaces. Coughing and sneezing can also leave saliva and mucus on nearby objects, creating additional opportunities for contamination.

Many families reach for bleach-based cleaners to tackle germs. But depending on the product, these can require dilution, ventilation, rinsing or several minutes of wet contact time.

HOCl offers a non-toxic, fragrance-free alternative for everyday cleaning around family and pets. Properly formulated HOCl surface cleaners provide antimicrobial action against susceptible microorganisms without added household bleach or harsh fragrances. Follow product directions for compatible surfaces and application.

Mouth & Throat Hygiene

Scratchy throats, congestion and mouth breathing are familiar concerns during cold and flu season. The mouth and throat are also exposed to microorganisms throughout the day, making consistent oral hygiene worthwhile.

HOCl has been studied as an antimicrobial oral rinse, with clinical research demonstrating reductions in certain oral bacteria.^[5] Formulated specifically for oral use, an alcohol-free HOCl rinse can complement brushing and flossing. Swishing and gargling help distribute the solution throughout the mouth and toward the back of the throat.

Explore what clinical research says about hypochlorous acid oral rinses.

How Do You Use Hypochlorous Acid Effectively?

Getting the most from HOCl comes down to three essentials:

• Choose the right formulation. Use products designed for their intended application—hands, skin, oral care or surfaces.
• Make it fresh. HOCl's antimicrobial performance depends on concentration, pH and proper storage. Fresh activation lets you prepare a new batch when needed, helping ensure the solution starts at its intended formulation.
• Apply generously. Thoroughly wet the intended area and follow product directions. For hands, skin and compatible surfaces, allow to air-dry without rinsing. For oral care, swish, gargle and spit out.

For step-by-step guidance, explore our How to Use Hypochlorous Acid guide.

A Fresh Approach to Cold & Flu Season Hygiene

Cold and flu season brings additional challenges, but everyday hygiene doesn't have to be complicated. Small, consistent habits can help make cleansing part of your daily routine.

River Refresh makes it easy with freshly activated hypochlorous acid—a gentle, non-toxic, alcohol-free solution you prepare when you're ready to use it.

Explore our solutions for Skincare, Oral Care and Surface Cleaning, including Extra Strength and Commercial-grade cleaners. And we haven't forgotten your precious four-legged family members, with our dedicated Pet Cleanser + Deodorizer. Each product features a purpose-specific pH and HOCl concentration (ppm) for its intended application.

Discover the River Refresh collection and find the right fresh solution for your family, pets and shared spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions