Well, winter is finally here, at least for the northern half of the world, and with the snowy weather comes the expectation of being exposed to more germs.
We tend to spend more time indoors during the colder months, enjoy time with friends and family, and eventually, someone’s going to pass us a case of the sniffles.
So, it’s a good idea to stock your home with things you and your family may need if you come down with a bug and need to take it easy for a few days.
There’s nothing like having to run out to a pharmacy in the middle of the night because your young child spikes a fever.
Let’s take a look at some simple ways you can prepare for cold and flu season because as well know – luck favors the prepared.
The Cure Is In The Cupboard
For many of us, when we come down with a cold or the flu, all we need is what’s already in the cupboard.
In general making sure you have fresh oranges for Vitamin C is a great start. Another great fruit filled with anti-oxidants along with Vitamin C is passion fruit.
Fresh lemons and local or farm fresh honey to ease stuffy noses and sore throats is another must-have.
In addition to those, it’s a good idea to have some broth and vegetables on hand to make grandma’s famous chicken soup (or your vegan version of it).
Let food be your medicine, and you’re already getting a great head start.
Quick Meals
Piggybacking on what’s in your cupboard, it’s a good idea to have some quick, easy meals on hand in case you come down with a bug that makes you feel like you can’t get out of bed to cook your kids the meals you typically would.
Depending on your children’s age, meals they can prepare themselves are ideal.
So microwavable veggies, instant oatmeal packets, and good old macaroni and cheese are great starts.
If you’re the type of parent that insists on something heartier for your kids, take a weekend day and prepare some meals that can be frozen and quickly reheated to keep everyone else satiated and healthy.
At the same time, you battle your bug from the comfort of your bed or couch.
Creature Comforts
When you or a loved one isn’t feeling well, making sure we’re comfortable is a priority as our bodies do their thing to beat whatever illness we’re dealing with.
Having soothing products on hand like heating pads, ice packs, cold busting bath bombs and essential oil diffusers is a must.
If you have young children, a mist humidifier is comforting when they’ve got a stuffy nose and aren’t old enough to take decongestants.
Make sure you’re stocked on plenty of tissues or handkerchiefs if you’re making an effort to live more sustainably.
Having these things already in your home makes it easy to cuddle up with a good book and throw blanket and get your rest.
And don’t forget to have plenty of herbal teas on hand not only to relax but heal you.
Necessary Medications
Some people prefer to ride out a fever as the fever is a good thing for your body, but others want to alleviate the feeling of having a fever.
No matter where you fall on the spectrum, it’s best to have medications for pain and fever on hand should you decide you need them.
Most winter illnesses come with a cough, so a cough suppressant or expectorant is also a great idea.
Don’t neglect natural remedies either – elderberry is a proven antiviral and can shorten the length of colds and touches of flu if taken at onset.
If you or someone in your household is on daily prescription medications, make sure to check with your GP or pharmacist about possible interactions between the medications or supplements you plan on taking.
While most additions will be safe, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Getting sick isn’t fun for anyone; we all know that, but if we take the time to prepare ourselves, it’s easier to weather the storm until it passes – and it will pass.
No information provided on SurfandSunshine.com is intended to cure, prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Please consult your health care provider regarding any health related decisions.