Preparing For the Cold and Flu Season | My Essentials

It’s no secret that Autumn is my favourite season, from ‘fall’ fashion to colourful crunchy leaves, and of course Halloween.

But with all these lovely seasonal activities also comes cold and flu season. 🙁 Which can make us all feel pretty blue this time of year; especially as we get into the Winter months where they seem more prominent.

Ironically I’m actually nursing a cold while writing this post! Which may or may not actually be bronchitis again..😑 So it seems like the perfect opportunity to share my cold and flu essentials with you.

Cold and flu remedies

When you have a pounding head, a nose that won’t stop running or a throat that feels like sand paper, sometimes pharmaceuticals are needed to help you feel a bit more human again.

I personally use blackcurrant cold and flu power (either Lemsip or supermarket own brands) with some cough syrup (again usually own brand). But whichever you choose make sure you always consult your doctor or pharmacist before trying a new medication.

Bubble baths

Steam is well known to help relieve congestion by opening up your sinuses, but it can also soothe a sore throat too as it helps it stay lubricated.

This is something I first learnt from my speech therapist when I was going through treatment for chronic laryngitis. She recommended a steam inhaler but the steam from a bubble bath is a great alternative if you don’t have access to one!

A bubble bath is also a great self soothing method so it can help make you feel a little better too. One thing I would recommend though (especially if you have a fever!) is to have a luke warm bath.

Hot drinks

When you’re losing fluids it’s important to keep yourself hydrated and hot drinks have the added benefit of helping to lubricate your throat and relieve your sinuses (much like a bubble bath). The warming liquid can also feel soothe a sore throat and will help warm you up.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (or your TV show / movie of choice)

Whether I’m sick I usually end up re-watching (or rather binge re-wacthing) my favourite TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It never fails to cheer me up, and because I’ve seen it so many times it doesn’t matter if I fall asleep through it either.

Some much needed R&R

When your sick it’s important to get some rest and that includes taking the day off from work if you need it.

In between napping (which is often all I want to do when I feel sick), try some relaxing activities to make yourself feel better such as reading or something creative (like colouring).

Just make sure not to do anything too taxing or strenuous, just things that will lift your mood and make you feel relaxed.

Throat sweets

Another must have for relieving a sore throat! My go-to is ‘Soothers blackcurrant’, so I always make sure I have some on hand. But Vitamin C drops can be a great alternative with the added bonus of speeding up the sickness process.

Tissues!

Self explanatory really. For runny noses or when your eyes start watering.

Of course if symptoms persist it’s important to see your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

What are some of your essentials when your suffering from a cold or the flu?