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We all know the feeling. One morning you wake up and feel a tickle in your throat. Next thing you know, you’re trying to get through the workday with a stuffy nose and make it to the pharmacy to stock up on supplies. As a busy, working mom, I need everyone in our family to heal as quickly as possible when sickness hits our household. You may like to keep your preferred over-the-counter cold medicine and Tylenol in your cabinet, but I always try to stay stocked on some other secret weapons. To help lower your stress and make it easier to rest and heal — without adding emergency errands to your plate — these are the cold and flu essentials I always keep on hand this time of year.
Prices are accurate as of December 2, 2024. Subject to change.
Hey Dewy Portable Cool Mist Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to the air, helping relieve congestion, loosen mucus, and soothe irritated throats. They’re great when you don’t feel well, so don’t wait until you’re already suffering to order one. Hey Dewy’s portable humidifier is a game changer for anyone working from home while toughing out an illness. Just plug it into the USB port on your computer so you can reap the moisturizing benefits from 9 to 5 — then bring it to your nightstand later for all-night relief.
Oilogic Baby Stuffy Nose & Cough Bundle
Taking a steamy shower while sick helps relieve cold symptoms, so why not supercharge your shower with the right bath products? While this vapor bath wash is designed for babies and toddlers, anyone in the family can benefit from its ability to help relieve stuffy noses and coughs. I’ve tried most of the products in this line and am especially impressed with the vapor options. You can buy the wash on its own, but I’m a fan of the bundle that comes with an essential oil roll-on. It’s a natural alternative to more traditional vapor balms.
PurelifeBiotics Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
Another way to make the most of shower time when sick is to drop one of these shower steamers on the floor and let the hot water work its magic. Normally, I go for a relaxing lavender scent, but when I’m sick, I rely on this eucalyptus and menthol blend to open airways and break up congestion.
Selfmade Rumination Recovery Balm
Achy muscles are never fun, especially when you’re sick. This recovery balm is something I keep in my desk drawer at all times to help with shoulder pain after slumping over my computer for too many hours. It’s even more helpful when I’m sick and feeling extra achy. It warms after you rub it in, but doesn’t have an unpleasant smell like IcyHot does. I also love how clean the formula is — it’s even pregnancy-safe.
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Flewd Ache Erasing Bath Soak
Speaking of aches and pains, if you love to indulge in a good bath, don’t let being sick stop you. Add this salt soak to your bath and feel all of your muscles relax with the help of 245 grams of stress-fighting nutrients, like magnesium, Omega-3s, and vitamins C and D. Flewd says it uses a smaller magnesium than regular Epsom salt packs, which allows it to absorb better and give long-lasting results.
Vahdam Chamomile Herbal Tea
In the past, I found I recovered much faster from sickness than other members of my household. My secret? Chamomile tea with honey. Both have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can ease sore throats and congestion, while honey acts as a natural cough suppressant, coating the throat and soothing irritation. I end up drinking half a dozen cups a day until I recover, so the quality and flavor of the tea have to be impressive — which is why I specifically keep a bulk supply of Vahdam chamomile tea bags on hand. Not only do I send colds packing sooner, but I can cope much better with the symptoms thanks to the soothing benefits of this powerhouse drink.
Koala Eco Natural Hand Wash
One way to get ahead of the cold and flu season is to be vigilant about handwashing. The only problem is, I end up with dry, cracked hands every winter. Now I keep a bottle of this gentle, plant-based hand wash at every sink in my home. This formula relies on essential oils that don’t dry out your skin and make it possible to wash your hands comfortably many times a day. I’m also a major fan of the brand’s impressive line of cleaning products which keep my home germ-free and smelling divine, without relying on iffy chemicals.
ALŌH Sanitizing Hand Wipes
As a new mom, I was horrified the first time my baby leaned over and licked the shopping cart handle. Immediately images of a miserable, sick baby flooded my head. Luckily, I already wiped down the cart with these sanitizing hand wipes. I’m happy to report that baby is healthy and well. Now, I always keep a pack in my purse and diaper bag. They’re also ideal for sanitizing airline seats and hotel rooms when traveling.
Mommy’s Bliss Organic Baby Elderberry Drops
On top of frequent hand washing, another way to protect the entire family during cold and flu season is to protect against the many illnesses your child might bring home from daycare. You can add these baby-safe elderberry drops to your baby’s bottle to help boost their immune systems and stop them from bringing home germs that will spread to the whole family. The brand says this formula is safe for infants four months or older, but it’s always best to chat with your pediatrician before use. You can also pop into Whole Foods or other health food stores to find elderberry supplements for mom and dad.
Stock Up on Cozy Favorites
Treating yourself to some cozy, relaxing, indulgences is a great way to embrace self-care when you aren’t feeling your best. You likely have your own list of favorite comforts, but these are some essentials I’m glad to have on hand when I’m under the weather.
Lilly Pulitzer Arial Sweater Pant: The last time I got sick, I was very fortunate these cozy Lily Pulitzer pants (and matching top!) arrived in the nick of time, especially when I had to suck it up and get to work. There’s nothing like a matching set to make you feel more pulled together.
Villa Cotton Hotel Italia Towel: As you noticed, I rely heavily on showers to help me ease sick day symptoms. I was sick and tired (pun very much intended) of overspending on towels and am happy to report this affordable style instantly transports me to a spa getaway without breaking the bank.
The Spice & Tea Exchange Earl Grey Candle: Romanticize all that time you need to spend at home resting by lighting a gorgeous candle. This earl grey scented candle is every tea lover’s dream.
Featured Image Credit: Sora Shimazaki/ Pexels
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Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer based in Northern California who graduated from the University of California Irvine with a degree in Literary Journalism. She has written on a wide range of topics including finance, travel, and wellness for publications such as Elle, Coveteur, The Everygirl, and Apartment Therapy. When not whipping up articles, she works with consumer brands like Gorjana, Voluspa, Underclub, The Well, and St. John to help tell their brand stories.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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