Cold and Flu Season is Coming: Are You Prepared?

As temperatures start to drop at the start of fall, the number of people coming down with colds and the flu start to rise. Cold and flu season is a pesky part of every year. Try as we might, there’s still a good chance that we’ll end up sick, struggling with annoying nasal congestion and an uncomfortable hacking cough that just won’t seem to quit. As we head into cold and flu season, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared to handle any viral illness that comes your way. Luckily, there are a number of ways to ensure that you’re as ready as you can be to take down any germs that come your way. From getting a humidifier to keep your home at optimal moisture levels to stocking up with sick day essentials, we’ve got a breakdown of everything you need to get through the cold and flu season this year. 

Get a Cool Mist Humidifier

When you’re suffering from a cold or the flu, you’re likely to be dealing with a lot of nasal and chest congestion that can make it difficult to breathe. In addition to being unpleasant, it can also lead to reduced sleep, given that it can be hard to fully rest in a state of such discomfort. In order to combat congestion, it’s a great idea to get a cool mist humidifier. A cool mist humidifier takes water and transforms it into water vapor which it sprays into the air to increase the amount of relative moisture in the room. With more moisture in the air, you’ll be receiving more moisture when you breathe in, which can help to lubricate your sinus and nasal passages to loosen mucus, and help to reduce your congestion. 

In addition to adding much needed moisture to the air, some humidifiers contain essential oil trays that you can use to diffuse calming scents into the air. Simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to the tray (we recommend lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile), and breathe in soothing aromas that will help you to further relax and get the rest that your body needs to recuperate when you’re dealing with an illness. 

Stock Up on Tissues and Over-The-Counter Medicine

Before cold and flu season starts, it’s a great idea to stock up on tissues, over-the-counter medicine, and any other sick day supplies that you think you might need. This way, you won’t have to try to force yourself out of bed to get to the store on the morning that you wake up feeling crummy. In terms of tissues, you’ll want to get ones with a good ply count that aren’t too scratchy, so your nose doesn’t get chapped from blowing it too often. You may even want to pick up a pack of tissues infused with aloe or moisturizer for enhanced comfort. It is a sick day after all, you might as well treat yourself. 

In terms of over-the-counter medicine, it’s essential to consult your doctor before taking any new medication to ensure that it doesn’t interact with any of the drugs that you’re currently on. Some common over-the-counter drugs that are helpful during cold and flu season include: decongestants, antihistamines, expectorants, and pain relievers. If taking over-the-counter medication for a cold or flu, be sure to stay on a strict medicine schedule, and never take more than the recommended amount. 

Take Time to Rest

One of the biggest reasons that our bodies succumb to illness is due to too much stress. In order to help yourself avoid getting sick this cold and flu season, be sure to take the time to get the rest that you need. This means getting a good eight hours of sleep every night, in addition to prioritizing your physical and mental health. Let your body rest by making time to stretch and meditate, and help your mind rest by taking a break from looking at your work email and constantly scrolling social media. By giving yourself a break to rest and calibrate, you’re also giving your immune system a break too, one that will be much needed when cold and flu season germs come to town.

In Conclusion

As we head into fall, it’s important to prepare yourself for the possibility of getting sick this cold and flu season. Get yourself a humidifier to help alleviate nasal and chest congestion by keeping the air moist and cool. Additionally, you’ll want to stock up on sick day essentials like tissues and over-the-counter medicine, so you’re prepared to tackle an illness as soon as it strikes. Finally, it’s essential to take time to get proper rest, so that your body can be in good physical and mental shape to ward off any potential illnesses that might be easier to catch when you’re worn down. By following the steps above, you’re sure to be able to handle this year’s cold and flu season with ease.