When I wrote this post, I was on day 7 of a rather charming winter flu. By the time I got around to posting it (thanks to playing catch up from said flu), I’m now at around day 12 and thankfully feeling much better! Jack got it before me and had it for 12 days before he was well enough to go back to kindy (even now he still has a bad cough, but not contagious!)
It’s so funny because now when you get sick you automatically think about it being the C-word, but in reality there are still a number of nasty colds and flus out there. I tested both Jack and I like crazy and after 5 negative tests, finally convinced myself it wasn’t Covid and to give up! Sadly after 2 years of wearing masks and sanitising like crazy, our immune systems are so low and we just aren’t used to the bugs now that everything is starting to get back to somewhat normal. Of course, the first ones picking it up are the wee kids, the ones that were small when Covid started and didn’t get much of a chance to build a healthy immune system, before being doused in hand sanitiser and told to wash their hands every ten seconds! So it’s no wonder really that right now we aren’t just battling Covid, but are also struggling through a winter full of colds and flus… all with low immunity!
Today I thought I’d share the five things that can help beat the winter flu, and 100% made a massive difference in both mine and Jack’s recovery. As you know I like to keep things as natural as possible, but when it comes to illness I am all for taking medicine if it helps with recovery and managing symptoms. When I’m ill, I take Panadol and ibuprofen as needed and Jack will take Pamol.
LEMON & HONEY
I swear this combo is one quick way to fight off (or ward off!) bad bugs. When I’m sick I have quite a few of these every day, and it’s as simple as adding some honey and lemon juice to boiling water and stirring it all through. Some choose to add in ginger, but I personally just love the lemon & honey combo. I use whatever honey is available at the store, however Manuka Honey is supposed to be the best for flu fighting. If it’s a bit out of the price range, you can also opt for Manuka blends which are a little more wallet friendly. While you can use fresh lemons, I actually use pure bottled lemon juice as it is so much easier then having to cut up lemons when you aren’t feeling well! Lemon juice also keeps in the fridge so you don’t have to worry about restocking fresh lemons or them going off!
AIR PURIFIER
Since I’ve been sick I have been using my air purifier a lot! I have this one and find it absolutely brilliant. It’s super easy to use and links through to your phone via the app. There’s a MicroShield to help remove bad bugs from the air, and the air just feels cleaner and easier to breathe when you are sick. Having one of these running in the room that the sick person sleeps in also helps with recovery so much – if you don’t want it on all night, just set the timer and it will turn itself off! There’s heaps of brands and different options, but for the basics, you can’t go past the EasyAir.
VICKS VAPOUR RUB
Okay so I normally hate stuff like this and generally wouldn’t use a lot of heavy petrolatum based products like this, but honestly Vicks Vapour Rub helps so much with breathing! It especially works well in small children who have limited products available for them to use. I used this on Jack when he had the flu and it was one of the things that offered the greatest relief. I used it on his chest to help with breathing, and also on the soles of his feet. This is an old wives tale that it helps with sleeping and it really does seem to work!
VITAMIN C
I was talking to my mum the other day about how I need to get so much more regular with my vitamins! I tend to only take them if someone around me is sick or when I start feeling a bit average, rather than all the time! I need to get better at this! Anyway, Vitamin C is still one of the best supports you can take when unwell. I make sure I spread my Vitamin C intake out throughout the day, and use a mixture of Vitamin C supplements, as well as eating things naturally high in the vitamin like kiwifruit and mandarins. I also encourage Jack to do the same, and I do think having high doses limits the length of the cold or flu (just don’t take toooo much or it can cause errr “issues” at the other end!) TIP: Having it at night before you go to bed allows the body to absorb it while you sleep!
DIFFUSER
Full disclaimer, I haven’t used my diffuser as much as I would have wanted to during this flu and that’s due to having Jack around. You have to be very careful about what essential oils you choose to diffuse as some aren’t suitable for small children under 8. Just be sure to double check! For adults and older kids, using a diffuser is a great way to also help kill the bugs in the air, as well as create a pleasant breathing environment. Oils like peppermint can help with congestion, and there’s also specific blends designed for sinus relief and immunity. I swear by Eco Essential Oils as they are pure, Aussie owned and affordable! Their Stone Diffuser is the one that I choose to use!
