Getting Through Flu/Covid/Virus Season
By Nichelle Neal, APRN
It is that time of the year again when we are all getting ready for the beautiful fall and winter season. It is a time when the leaves are turning into beautiful reds, oranges, and auburns, cheering on our favorite football teams, and holidays when we get the chance to gather around family and celebrate. This time of the year is also when we fear those bugs, we know as viruses. Viruses are essentially germs that enter our bodies and make us sick. When we get a virus, we often feel symptoms such as cough, fever with or without chills, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat. To put it simply; we don’t feel good. As parents, we try to prepare for cold and flu season as best as we can, but oftentimes those pesky viruses seem to move on into our body for a week or two.
There are a lot of things that we can do as parents to help prevent ourselves and our kiddos from getting sick during this time of the year. Some parents like me, like to try nonmedicinal remedies to help prevent and combat. There are numerous things that people do to try to keep the germs away, and here are some of them that have worked for me and parents that I know that include both traditional tips and home remedies.
Traditional Tips
Handwashing is the single most preventable action that you can do to keep from getting sick and spreading germs. Simply wash with an antibacterial soap and warm water for 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, and frequently throughout the day.
Along with handwashing, disinfecting is very important in stopping the spread of germs while having a virus. Both disinfecting wipes and sprays effectively kill 99.9% of germs on any surface.
Touching our face is one thing that we don’t think about, but it is an action that can spread germs from surfaces to our hands, and into our nose, mouth, and eyes. If we think about it, we touch our face (and others too) numerous times during the day, but we can’t see the germs that we are transferring when we do this. Practicing habits like sneezing or coughing into our sleeves and avoiding touching our faces will help us not allow the germs that are on our hands to enter our bodies.
Avoiding close contact with others helps to prevent the spread of germs such as viruses and bacteria. This can get tricky with kids during the season due to close contact during school, extracurricular activities, and being around family and friends. When you or your kids begin to have symptoms, it is highly recommended that you limit your time around others, including staying home from work and school, and not attending extracurricular activities.
Medications are always the first or second go-to for the majority of people who have a cold virus. Over-the-counter medications help to treat symptoms that come with these but do not
kill the actual virus. As I like to tell my patients, “Over-the-counter medications will only help ease your symptoms and help you feel better, but it isn’t going to take the virus away.”
Hydration. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to prevent dehydration and thin secretions, which makes it easier to get out of the body.
Home remedies
Steam/humidifier helps to thin mucus and clear congestion. It improves circulation, which helps to move nutrients and oxygen to joints and muscles, which can help with pain and healing. It also promotes better and longer sleep. Humidifiers help to moisten the air, which improves breathing and congestion.
Vitamins like elderberry, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E help to boost immunity during cold & flu season.
Honey and lemon help to soothe a sore throat and help with cough. Please do not use honey in babies younger than 1yr old.
Essential Oils have been found to help with symptoms from a virus and is safe to apply on children and babies. Eucalyptus works as an expectorant, helping to get mucus out of the body. Lemon and Frankincense essential oils have antiviral and antibacterial properties that stimulate the immune system.
Peppermint is a great alternative to traditional medicines for treating symptoms of cold viruses. Peppermint, along with eucalyptus, is great for cough. Ginger, garlic, and turmeric all have great immune-boosting properties.
Staying well during cold & flu season can be a feat in itself but incorporating and practicing habits to stay healthy and germ-free can make it a breeze through this time of the year. Trying some or all of these tips can help to fight off germs and help treat symptoms while you’re sick. The most important tip of all is knowing where to seek medical care in case you need a little more help fighting off those germs. Going to the doctor if you feel like your treatment at home isn’t helping enough is important to receive the appropriate care that you need. Stay safe this season!
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