The Top Essentials to Beat Cold and Flu Season

by Cascade Ice on October 25, 2021

Cold and flu season is upon us, and experts are predicting that it will be more serious than years past. It’s important to be extra cautious and try to adopt some healthy habits to lessen your chances of getting sick. And if you do get sick, it’s nice to be prepared in case getting to your local drug store is too difficult.

While your immune system is a powerhouse that is designed to ward off sickness and disease, there are things you can proactively do to boost its effectiveness, and even minimize the time you suffer from an illness. Below are some top essentials to have on hand and things to do to not only help prepare you for cold and flu season, but also to make things easier if you’re at home with the cold or flu.

Sanitizer

When you sneeze or cough, germs are spread throughout the air and onto surfaces. So, one of the most important ways to keep cold and flu germs at bay is to wash your hands. If soap and water isn’t readily available however, hand sanitizer is a great alternative. Disinfecting wipes can also eliminate viruses and bacteria from surfaces around your home, and help stop the spread of cold and flu germs to others in your home. Make sure you even wipe down “high traffic” surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and even your cell phone! 

Blender

Many times, when you’re sick or just feeling under the weather, your appetite suffers too. That’s why a blender can be a lifesaver during cold and flu season. A smoothie is a simple way to pack a bunch of illness-fighting nutrients into something that you’ll be able to stomach even when you’re not feeling your best. Your blender can even double as a food processor for small batches of soup, which is a favorite during those cold Fall and Winter months. Check out our recipes page for more healthy smoothie recipes!

Fruits and veggies

While fighting off a virus involves a lot more than simply eating more fruits and vegetables and there is no single food that will keep you from getting sick, it’s important that you eat a wide range of foods to cover all your bases of antioxidants, vitamins, and probiotics. You’ll also want to take a high-quality daily vitamin to fill in any gaps in your diet. Doctors and dieticians do agree, however, that eating a well-rounded diet that is chock full of fruits and vegetables can significantly boost your immune system function. Specifically, they suggest “eating the rainbow” and striving for brightly colored ones such as citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, papaya, and kiwi. Add them to your grocery list and have them on hand!

Humidifier

With colder temperatures in the Fall and Winter cold and flu season comes dry air, which can suck all the moisture from your skin and sinuses. Anyone who has suffered from illness will tell you that the dry air only makes your symptoms worse. To combat this, experts suggest running a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom. The moisture from the humidifier will bring you relief and ease the symptoms from store throats and dry sinuses. 

Water

Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to not only prevent illness, but to shorten the duration of your symptoms if you get sick. Drinking water helps flush toxins through your body faster and make you feel better by curbing dehydration symptoms on top of cold and flu symptoms. If the thought of chugging plain old water leaves something to be desired, reach for a Cascade Ice Sparkling Water to liven things up. Perhaps even invest in a refillable water bottle that helps you track how many ounces you’re taking in each day. You want to aim to drink your body weight in ounces when you’re under the weather. 

What measures do you take to stay healthy during cold and flu season? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.