Cold & Flu Season Survival Kit

It's that time of year! Wintertime means cold and flu season is upon us, and it's made even more worrisome because COVID-19 is still around.

But there is something you can do if you or someone in your family gets a cold or the flu this year: have a cold and flu survival kit at the ready!

Here are a few things that I'll be stocking up on this season:

Elderberry

Elderberry has been all the rage recently as a way to boost your immune system. So if you want to take something to help you combat cold and flu symptoms, check out the S.M.A.R.T. Vegan Elderberry Syrup Kit. Add the contents of the kit to water, boil, and let simmer for 45 minutes. Take 4 tablespoons per day.

For younger kids, Momeez Choice Immuniteez lollipops are an easy and delicious way to boost your child's immune system. Along with honey and elderberry, the pops also contain vitamins C, D, E, zinc, and selenium.

Thermometer

When was the last time you upgraded your thermometer? Do you even own one? Check out the new Kinsa QuickCare and Smart Ear Thermometers, the world's first FDA-cleared smart thermometers. They both connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to the Kinsa app so you can easily log temperatures, symptoms, medications and dosages, and set reminders for when to take the next dose. And if the thermometer registers a fever, the app guides you on next steps.

My family has been using the bbluv Termo Non-Contact Thermometer. Just hold it one to two inches away from your child's body (forehead, ears, or armpit) to receive a precise and instant temperature. I like it because you don't have to stick it anywhere, and the digital display screen lights up green for a normal temperature, orange for a low fever, or red for a high fever.

Ibuprofen and/or Acetaminophin

Medicines such as Motrin or Advil (Ibuprofen) and Tylenol (Acetaminophin) help reduce fevers and body aches. If you're giving this to a child, make sure to use children's versions and pay attention to the dosage recommendations on the package.

Tissues and Saline Wipes

Obviously, if you've got a runny nose, you'll need boxes and boxes of tissues to keep your face clean. Coughing or sneezing into a tissue can also stop the spread of airborne germs. 

One of my favorite things to do with tissues is to rubberband together a full box of tissues and an empty tissue box so that you have a ready-made trash can right there. No need to constantly get up and throw away a used tissue. (And it keeps used tissues from being placed on the floor or sofa. Gross!)

When my daughter was a baby, I used Boogie Wipes saline nose wipes to keep her nose clean while also soothing her skin.

Hand Sanitizer

Because of Coronavirus, you probably already have a stockpile of hand sanitizer. You may have even tried to make your own! When someone in your household is sick, making sure everybody wipes their hands after touching contaminated surfaces can stop the spread of germs.

Antibacterial Wipes

While hand sanitizer keeps your hands clean, antimicrobial wipes keep your surfaces clean. If you didn't stock up on these during COVID, then you need to get some now!

Fluids

When you're sick with a cold or flu, it's important to stay hydrated. Water is the best source of hydration, but you might also want to have bottles of Gatorade or ginger ale on hand. I like drinking warm herbal tea when I have a cold. The steam from the mug makes my stuffy nose feel much better.

Food

Broth-based soup can help ease an upset stomach and a sore throat. Plain crackers and Jell-O are also good options. I even found a recipe from Always Katie for making Sick Day Rehydrating Gelatin using Gatorade and Jell-O.

Lozenges

Speaking of sore throats, sucking on a throat lozenge can help relieve pain. I prefer Sucrets but my husband swears by Halls. Momeez Choice makes sore throat lollipops for young kids.

Cough and Cold Medicine

Do you need meds for cold and flu symptoms? Some doctors say that cold and flu medicine, such as DayQuil and NyQuil, doesn't really help, but that doesn't stop store shelves from being stocked with it. If you think it helps you, then there's no harm in having some on hand. But make sure that if you've got a sick kid, you've purchased specific cold and flu medicine for kids. We like Zarbees or Hyland's.

Also, be aware of the side effects from decongestants. I can't take decongestant medicines because they contain pseudoephedrine, which makes me WIRED. 

Vick's VapoRub

When I'm congested, I like to use Vick's on my chest at night. There is even a kid's version that works well. And I found this great idea to make Vick's shower steamers for relief while taking a shower.

Nasal Spray

When cold symptoms make me congested, I always grab Zicam. It helps clear my sinuses so I can breathe again.

Humidifier

One of the best presents we got as a baby gift was a humidifier. The Crane cool mist humidifier works great, runs quietly, and is an easy way to help keep moisture in the air, while also helping to relieve a runny nose and cough. Make sure you clean it based on the manufacturer's recommendations. We also only use distilled water in our machine.

Fun Stuff

Whether you're a sick kid or a sick adult, having something special in your cold and flu kit makes being sick less awful. Pack in a travel-sized game, a new coloring book, a new movie, or a favorite treat. Any of these will put a smile on your face - even through a sneeze attack!