Cold and flu season is in full swing around here, with some schools locally reporting absences into the double– and even triple– digits. But that doesn’t mean we should be afraid. There are a few great tips to help you get through cold and flu season, without too much downtime.
Get plenty of sleep. Seriously, this can’t be stressed enough. Getting adequate sleep is by far the best way to stay healthy. The Mayo Clinic says that studies show when people don’t get enough sleep, they’re more likely to get sick after exposure to viruses like the common cold. Not only that, but if you’re not getting enough sleep, it may take you longer to recover!
Don’t share phones! While many of us are careful to wipe down a shopping cart before we use it, or make sure our hands are thoroughly washed after things like blowing our nose, many of us don’t think to avoid sharing phones. How many times have you been out with friends and passed the phone off, or borrowed a phone because yours died? Sharing phones gets you in close contact with someone elses’ bacteria, and even if they don’t get a cold or the flu, you might if they’re carrying those germs around!
Stay home. Seriously, if you have the flu, it’s best to just call in sick from work or school and stay home until you’re fever free for 24 hours. Going in just means you’re likely to spread the virus, and that’s just a bad deal all around. Chances are, if you got the flu, someone wasn’t staying home like they were supposed to. We could all do a little bit better if we just stay home when we’re sick.
Drink a lot of fluids. Drinking water actually can help thin out the mucus secretions in your lungs, helping you bounce back faster from the flu or common cold, so staying hydrated is a must!
Take an OTC med or use your herbal remedy of choice. Pain relievers, medicines to help you breathe a little better, or essential oils can all help you feel a little bit better during cold and flu season, so use these wisely (and make sure you’re checking with your doctor before trying a new medication, and following all package directions and talking to the pharmacist to make sure you won’t have a negative reaction with other medications you may be taking!) Ginseng and zinc are also proven yuck-fighters when it comes to cold and flu, so if you’re going natural, they’re both great choices.
How do you fight through cold and flu season? Leave your tips in the comments below, or check out tips for getting your child to take medicine, and ways to make your child feel better when they’re sick.
