Cheat Sheet to Flu Season

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The flu, the stomach bug, RSV, hand foot mouth, bronchitis, pneumonia — they have all been making their rounds this season. So much so, school was even cancelled. My household has been hunkering down for over a week and I wish, before my family succumbed to sickness, that I would have had a few more things on-hand.

Here are a few of my must-haves:

  • Honey and cinnamon: we normally have plenty on-hand for daily use. When we are sick, we eat a teaspoon of honey and cinnamon, three times a day; I also add the mixture to tea.
  • Different varieties of tea to soothe a sore throat.
  • Elderberry syrup, which strengthens the immune system.
  • Apple cider vinegar: I drink it warmed to help with sinus pain, but my child will not drink any.
  • Onions: onions have antiviral properties, so I wrap an onion in a warm cloth and place it on a hurting ear; when needed, I also put it in a bowl of hot water and leave the bowl in my daughter’s bedroom overnight (this has helped her when she has an earache).
  • Essential oils: my favorites are tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus. I put the oils in a diffuser and also rub them on our feet or behind our ears and neck.
  • Juice, popsicles, watermelon to stay hydrated.
  • Epsom salt: relaxing baths help one get a better night’s sleep and the magnesium strengthens the immune system.
  • Cough drops, Tylenol and Motrin.

When illness hits, you don’t want to have to take your sick child to the store, and if they have a fever you want to be able to treat it immediately. These are a few of my must-haves for flu season. I hope this list helps and I hope you and your family stay healthy!