The 10 Commandments Of Surviving Flu Season
Just as quickly as the frigid weather has sprung upon us, so has the onslaught of cold, flu and sinusitis as our bodies try to adjust to the new climate and weather conditions. As a result, many of us are using up all those sick days we had left, at home in bed hacking up unmentionables, yours truly included. To get through this season, we definitely need an arsenal of remedies on deck for both preventative and healing treatment. Here are ten tips that I’ve found helpful this season and in previous years to help me get through.
BOOST IMMUNITY
During these months, our bodies and immune systems are under attack and therefore more susceptible to catching viruses. To fortify our immune systems in advance of and during illness, add things like garlic, onions, ginger, lemons, probiotics, and greens into your diet. Spices - yes the ones we use to cook - also can have great restorative properties for our bodies. Tumeric, cayenne, and cinnamon are great for teas and drinks that will soothe and boost our systems.
2. STOCK UP ON MEDS
I’m the type of person who is only occasionally sick, but during my recent bouts of illness, I saw the importance of having some over the counter medicine nearby. Things like NyQuil (to help curb symptoms just enough overnight, while also helping you sleep), DayQuil (to help you get through working from home if need be), and Tylenol (to help manage headaches and jaw pain that sinus pressure can bring), can be lifesavers!
3. MOISTURIZE YOUR PASSAGEWAYS
Winter air is often dry and the heat we keep on indoors sucks the moisture from our throats, mouths and noses, which irritates those places and gives us sore throats. Counter this with a humidifier or by keeping a pot of warm water in your room while you’re sleeping. Nasal spray is also great to keep handy and helpful when trying to decongest.
4. SLEEP, SLEEP and MORE SLEEP
There’s really nothing like rest to restore our body to health and to build our immunity to all the unhealthy pathogens and germs we face on a daily. Results and studies vary on how much sleep adults really need, however many sources suggest 7-9 hours of sleep per night. When we’re ill we need even more.
5. OVERDOSE ON FLUIDS
Drinking lot’s of fluids, especially when you’ve come down with a cold virus is a MUST. Studies have shown that liquids -especially hot ones- increase the flow of mucous and congestion remarkably. And filling up on water is a sure way to cleanse our organs overall during a hostile germ takeover.
6. GRAB AN ICE PACK/COMPRESS
Another very helpful yet underrated thing to keep around during this time is an ice pack and a warm compress. Often times one product can be used interchangeably. If you don’t have on nearby, a wet rag can do the trick. Sinus pain really gave me the blues these past weeks by giving me a persistent headache and jaw ache. I did not have a cold compress but I did have a bunch of frozen vegetables that I used as ice packs to numb the pain.
7. KEEP OILS NEARBY
Essential oils are often equated with being kooky or holistic, but they really do work! Lavender oil is great on the temples or mixed with a carrier oil on the body for calming and relaxation.
8. STAY WRAPPED UP
One of my worst habits is dashing out the house into the cold, with no jacket on because “I’m only going to the car.” Ignoring the fact that from the car, I must go back outside to enter my next destination and then return to go home. All these little trips unprotected in the freezing weather can do lots of damage to our respiratory systems. The American Lung Association suggests we not only wear coats, but even cover our nose and mouth when going outside.
9. TAKE EXTRA HYGIENIC MEASURES
From childhood we are told to wash our hands whenever we use the bathroom and eat, but even if we do, many don’t. And as adults that are so busy, maybe we forget to do these things sometimes! It’s so important to be extra mindful about hand-washing and overall hygiene, especially during these days where everyone is coughing all over the place. I like to keep a pack of antibacterial wipes within arms length so I can wipe down things I touch when I’m sick, and things other people might’ve coughed all over too!
10. KEEP THE DOCTOR ON SPEED DIAL
When all else fails, sometimes you have to just bite the bullet and call the doctor. A sinus infection or the flu might take a turn for the worse if left untreated, so if cold symptoms persist after 5 to 7 days, go ahead and call or visit the clinic. It’s annoying but they can give you things we can’t get on our own, like antibiotics and suggestions for the right OTC medicines to soothe discomfort and pain. More than that, they can check for abnormalities you may be experiencing and avert any potentially fatal outcomes.
And with those handy tips, may we all make it to the other side of Winter (reasonably) unscathed!
What about you? What are your go-to measures for combating pneumonia weather? Share below!
all images obtained from Pexels.
