Five Things to Have on Hand During Cold and Flu Season
Every year, like clockwork, I get sick the week of Halloween. I’ve missed some amazing Halloween Parties because I came down with a terrible cold. I have also learned to be prepared! Here are a few of the items I keep on hand just in case I wake up under the weather. And if you’re not sick yet, read my blog on Five Ways to Stay Healthy.
- 1
Chicken Soup
Some say eating chicken soup to feel better when you’re sick is just a wives’ tale. But there is some truth to the matter scientifically speaking.
“14 different commercially available soups were tested and some of them were even more potent than the homemade version. Even putting the study results aside, when breaking down chicken soup into its various ingredients, it’s easy to see why it may be a potent weapon against a runny nose: Heat, Protein, Vegetables, Water.
- 2
Throat Coat Tea
I get a lot of sore throats. And that’s a bad thing when it’s your job to talk for a living. A few years ago, I came across this marvelous tea. After using it for the first time while I was being treated for strep throat, now I swear by it! It has a unique taste you might need to get used to, but nothing a little bit of sugar or honey mixed in doesn’t solve. It works!
Also, at the first hint I feel of a sore throat coming on, I gargle with HOT salt water. Here’s why it works.
- 3
A Humidifier
Growing up with Asthma and living in Las Vegas, I quickly learned that this little beauty can be your best friend. Not only are they great for leaving your skin moisturized, but they can also make the air heavier. That means flu and cold germs don’t hang around as long as if the air were dry.
- 4
Gatorade
When your body is fighting a cold or the flu, it is really important to stay hydrated. That way your body can do what it does best… and fight those germs. Here’s the fancy scientific reason why it’s important to drink enough H2O when you’re under the weather.
- 5
Cough Drops
When I get sick, I layer on the Vic’s Vapor Rub and make sure I have cough drops so I can sleep like a baby through the night. Not everyone is a fan of cough drops though.