It’s the most awful time of the year. Perhaps I’m being a bit dramatic, but my fellow parents get it; it’s cold and flu season! It’s also that weird purgatory between Halloween and Thanksgiving when stores conveniently forget Thanksgiving altogether (or any other winter holidays, for that matter) in favor of Christmas. Look, no judgment if you’ve already got your tree set up, but to truly enjoy the holiday season, I would advise getting your flu and COVID vaccinations if you haven’t already done so — and getting the rest of the family vaccinated while you’re at it!
We all know that while vaccines are your best defense against cold and flu season (well…most of us know this), it doesn’t mean that you won’t get a nasty cold this holiday season. With kids in school and indoors most of the time, plus after-school activities, you’re bound to get sick this winter. The good news is, there are plenty of great at-home remedies to help you combat the sick season.
- Rest, rest, rest!
I’ll pause here for the sound of moms everywhere laughing at the suggestion of rest. But if you can rest — do it! Treat yourself to a babysitter if you have to (or have the extra funds). Sleep really is an almost-cure-all. I myself have been dealing with a nasty cold for over a week now, and I finally permitted myself to take a two-hour nap yesterday while my toddler slept, and guess what? I went from being on the brink of collapse to feeling loads better.
- Drink all the fluids
Hydration is always key when you’re sick. I know many of you may be reading these tips so far and thinking to yourself, “Well, obviously,” but I’ll see your “obviously” and raise you a, “How often have you actually taken these tips to heart?” It’s so hard, as parents, to take care of ourselves, too, especially when we have little ones running around. But there’s a reason airlines tell you during the safety demonstration before the flight to put on your own oxygen mask first! Drink plenty of water, tea with ginger, honey, or lemon, and heck — if you have a stomach bug, get some ginger ale! Avoid alcohol, coffee, and other sodas (I’m never one to turn down a Diet Coke, though, so no judgment from me!).
- Take a shower
The steam from the shower will help clear sinuses — and who doesn’t love a hot shower when they have a cold? I also love the Vicks VapoShower dissolvable shower tablets. This is not an ad placement — I genuinely love them. You cut one open, plop it in the shower, and let the steam and water do the work! I also love some good old-fashioned Vicks VapoRub on your chest and the bottoms of your feet (make sure to wear socks if you nap!).
- Add in a vaporizer
Having a cool mist vaporizer running can also help open up your airways. Make sure to clean an old one with white vinegar if you break it out. Here’s how to clean it. Ensure that you change the water daily and use only distilled water. A jug usually costs around $1 at the grocery store.
- Do a saltwater gargle
If you have a sore throat, performing a saltwater gargle can provide significant relief. Keep in mind, though, that kiddos under six probably won’t be able to gargle. Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water (approximately 8 ounces). Try to gargle for 15—30 seconds. Do this 2 — 3 times per day until your throat feels better.
Cold and flu season can be the worst, but hopefully, you can get some rest, stay hydrated, and catch up on Netflix. I see you, other parents — good luck!
Anna Giles has written about parenting, her kids, cats, and other things for over 10 years now (the math is easy when your oldest kid is 10). Fancy companies she’s written for include Delta, IHG, Bravo, NBC, E!, Syfy, and Disney. Parenting publications she’s written for include Romper, Time Out New York Kids, and Mommy Nearest. She’s really good at procrastinating on writing her Great American Novel. She has two kids and a perfect golden retriever. A born-and-raised Southerner, she’s learning to love her new PNW home in Portland but would really like to join a sauna during the winters, so please read her articles!!!