Health & Fitness

The Survival Guide to Cold and Flu Season

The Smart Shopper Editors · Published on 2016-01-13

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Nobody enjoys getting sick. While it may sound nice to take the day off and stay in your pajamas at home, when cold and flu symptoms are added in, you usually end up being just plain miserable. From stuffy noses to painful coughs, having the flu or a cold can end up keeping you from your daily routine longer than you want. We’ve got some tips to help you survive cold and flu season without having to live inside a bubble.

Get a Flu Shot

A flu and a cold are very different. More than 100 different viruses can cause a cold, where as only influenza virus types A, B and C cause the flu. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the flu strains health experts believe will be most widespread each season. Yes, you might have a sore arm for a day or two (massage the area gently before and after the shot to prevent soreness) or feel a bit achy the next day, but you can not catch the flu from the vaccine.

Wash Your Hands – A Lot

Wash your hands, over and over again. Wash your hands so much you start to get tired of doing it. Even if you aren’t in a job environment where you work closely with people, germs can stay on objects you touch regularly. Make sure when washing your hands to use soap and scrub hard for at least 20 seconds. Scrub between your fingers, the back of your hands and even under your fingernails.

Use Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

While the preferred method of getting rid of cold and flu germs is with soap and water, sometimes you can’t always have this on hand. A quick spritz of hand sanitizer is also essential for those who use public transit, where germs can collect in the close environment.

Clean Your Surroundings

Sanitize your surroundings. A cough or sneeze can send germs flying, so sanitize the objects you touch daily. Think of your keyboard, mouse, mousepad, cell phone, doorknobs, light switches, coffee mugs, etc. These can be germ hoarders and you don’t want that on your desk.

Sneeze Into Your Elbow

Sneezing or coughing into your sleeve is the best way to stop the spread of germs from a sneeze or cough when you do not have a tissue. When you sneeze into your hands, you risk touching your face or objects. It might seem hard to break the sneezing into your hand habit, but trust us, it’s worth it. You’re bettering your health and the health of those around you.

Sick in Bed with Thermometer

If you have fallen under the evil spell of a cold or flu, it’s good to be prepared. When you’re feeling achy in bed, the last thing you’ll want to do is head to the drugstore to get medicine and soup. Build a Cold and Flu Survival Kit filled with medicine, warm socks and all types of flu-killing products. We have a few suggestions on what to put in your kit with Cash Back at Ebates, but feel free to add whatever you like to kick that cold!

: Cold and flu symptoms can include fever, chills, headache and sore throats. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with these symptoms so you can get the rest your body needs.

: For icky coughs that last all day and night, cough syrup can help sooth and keep you either awake or feeling rested to sleep through the night.

: If you start to feel cold symptoms, a zinc based nasal spray helps shorten the length of the cold and the severity.

: If the cold has started to affect your sinuses, a decongestant will help clear up that foggy feeling and pressure.

: Flu symptoms can lead to dehydration, and keeping hydrated is key to fight off the sickness. Keep around a beverage full of electrolytes to stay in top cold-fighting condition.

: Tissues are gonna help for those runny noses, sneezes and coughing you can experience. Don’t forget to wash your hands often afterwards!

: Similar to a vapor rub, aromatherapy bath salts are both relaxing and healing. A nice warm bath will help you decongest as well.

: Some health experts swear by honey and how it can soothe a sore throat. Swallow a bit of honey for some relief between coughing fits.

: Having a digital thermometer is key. You can keep it simple or upgrade to a fast thermometer, especially if you’re dealing with sick kiddos.

: Hot tea can do wonders for healing. We recommend green tea, but choose your favorite herbal tea for some warm and soothing relief.

: Good old chicken soup. It’s easy on a sore throat and good for your body. Keep a can or two handy so you don’t have to hobble to the store while sick.

: Warm fuzzy socks can help you feel comfortable within seconds. Put these on, get under the covers and on the road to recovery.

Stock up on all these cold and flu essentials at online pharmacy’s like Walgreens or Drugstore.com. If you need to buy for the whole family, get your items in bulk at discount stores like Kmart or Walmart. Don’t forget to use Ebates to get Cash Back on all your online purchases and stay healthy this winter!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

The Smart Shopper Editors

From the latest tech to the hottest fashions and everything in between, the editors at The Smart Shopper are in the know and ready share their expertise. Check out our posts on shopping secrets and product trends for those who live for a little retail therapy.