COLD/FLU SEASON PREP

‘Tis the season…for germs and increased risk for colds and flu. Binge watching Netflix and lounging on the couch on a lazy Sunday is fun but binge watching and laying on the couch, sick in the middle of a hectic week is not. 

We’ve got you covered with some tips to help prepare yourself and your home for cold/flu season. 

Disinfect 

Cold and flu viruses can survive on hard, non-porous surfaces anywhere from a few seconds up to a couple of days. It is important to wipe down any and all hard surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner. Look for cleansers with an “EPA” label, as those cleaners meet the specifications for disinfectants. 
What to go the natural route?

Mix it all in a spray bottle and get to killin all those germs 

** Don’t forget to carry disinfectant wipes along with you. Theses are great to have on hand at the gym, grocery stores, restaurants or places with high traffic. 

Get your Medicine Cabinet Ready 

Cold and flu symptoms have a rapid onset so it’s important to be prepared to combat them. Keeping stocked on decongestants, cough medicine, pain relief medicine, antihistamines and saline solutions (Netipot) will help you fight off those symptoms quickly. You can’t forget about the side kicks though — Kleenex, cough drops, thermometer and air humidifier. 

Don’t Get Caught Germ-Handed 

Antibacterial soap ,warm water and lots of washing! This one can’t be stressed enough. When you are washing, play close attention to underneath your fingernails + your jewelry. If you are washing your hands in a public place use a paper towel to turn off the water and open the door to leave the restroom. Keep a good hand lotion nearby so your skin doesn’t get too dry from all the washing. On the go? Although washing with warm water and soap is the best practice, hand sanitizer can be used to hold you over until you get to a sink. 

Make Sure the  Pantry is Locked and Loaded 

We all know those foods that help to bring us comfort when we are sick. Make sure you are stocked with those foods just in case! No one likes a last minute run to the grocery store when you’re sick. Make sure there are plenty of fluids on deck as well. Water, Pedialyte, herbal teas, and fruit juices are great for staying hydrated and giving the extra punch of vitamin C. 

Look, Don’t Touch 

Keep those hands away from your face! Eyes, mouth and nose are perfect entry-ways for those pesky germs. Don’t give them any extra help entering your system. If you do have the urge to touch your face, make sure you wash your hands before and after!  Did you know the same germs that give you a cold can also give you viral pink eye? Yeah, stay away from the face. 

Eat your way to Immunity 

We know that a balanced diet it important but it is extremely important when it comes to strengthening your immune system.
Immune-boosting foods include:

Citrus Fruits 
Red Bell Peppers 
Garlic 
Broccoli 
Ginger 
Spinach 
Yogurt 
Almonds 
Turmeric 
Green tea 

Keep your germs to yourself 

If you are feeling cold/flu symptoms stop the spread of germs and stay home. Plan for sick days this time of year. Know the policy at work. Pay attention to your kiddos. if you start noticing symptoms in your children, keep them home from school. Check to see if you can work from home if you have a sick child. While sick days aren’t glamorous, keeping germs away from others is a great act of kindness. 

While we can’t control what others do in preparation for cold/flu season, you can do your due diligence to keep yourself and your family healthy. 

Happy hand-washing, friends! 

What are some of you cold/flu season tips? We would love to hear!