Lifestyle

Cold + Flu Survival Tips

As cold and flu season quickly approaches, parents are busy stocking their homes with all of the essentials to help their family recover and provide relief during this stressful time. Here are 8 useful remedy tips for Canadian families to consider this cold and flu season.

TIP 1: MAINTAIN IDEAL HUMIDITY LEVELS
Research has shown that maintaining indoor humidity levels between 40 to 60 per cent reduces the survival of flu viruses in the air. Ensure you have a humidifier in bedrooms to also provide the right amount of moisture to help you sleep soundly.

humidifier

TIP 2: USE LOTS OF TISSUES
If you’re coming down with the cold, stock up on tissues as a sanitary
method of ridding your body of germs and avoid the risk of spreading it to those around you.

TIP 3: STAY HYDRATED
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and flush out mucus and other infections in the body. Some acidic fruit juices can upset an empty stomach or sore throat. Water and tea are the best remedies when fighting an illness.

TIP 4: MAKE GERMS FEEL UNWELCOME
When someone in the household is sick, it’s important to reduce germs on surfaces and in the air. Wipe down handles and other frequently touched surfaces with an anti-bacterial/anti-viral cleanser. Use an air purifier to help reduce microscopic airborne germs. True HEPA air purifiers are effective at capturing certain airborne bacteria and viruses. Air purifiers should be operated on the lowest speed setting during cold and flu season to help be most effective at capturing the smaller, more harmful particles.

humidifier

TIP 5: KEEP WARM
Especially important during the winter months, when you are more exposed to cold weather, keeping warm is an essential remedy to help you rest and sleep comfortably. Have your favourite blanket, wool socks and a bowl of soup handy on your sick day!

The LUXE Blanket from topknotstyle.ca
The LUXE Blanket from topknotstyle.ca

TIP 6: CHECK ACCURATE BODY TEMPERATURES
A fever is an increased temperature of the body as it responds to an infection. Use an up-to-date thermometer to detect your accurate body temperature, because the hand to forehead method is not entirely precise. For instant, soothing relief during a fever place a cool or wet towel on the back of your neck or underarms.

ear thermometer

TIP 7: GET COMFORTABLE
Create a comfortable space to recuperate with all of your cold and flu necessities nearby. This may include blankets, a hot water bottle, books, movies and tissues.

The LUXE Blanket from topknotstyle.ca
The LUXE Blanket from topknotstyle.ca

TIP 8: TAKE A SICK DAY
Letting your body and mind rest when suffering from a cold or flu will help your immune system fight infections. Staying home to recuperate will also prevent you from spreading germs to others, much appreciated by coworkers and classmates during cold and flu season!

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