Having the flu is no fun. I have been fortunate that in the past few years, I haven’t come down with the flu (or a cold for that matter!). I remember when my kids were in school – elementary school especially – and they would bring home every nasty bug that went through their school. I was sick just about every time that they were. Now that my kids are adults, my family is rarely sick. I shouldn’t speak too soon though, should I?
I try to remember to wipe down my shopping cart when I go to the store (at those stores that have the tubs of antibacterial wipes as you enter). This is such an easy way to wipe any germs off that might be lingering from the last few shoppers (yuck).
Not only is getting sick very unpleasant, but it can also disrupt routines. Kids miss school and parents miss work (although adults usually have a very hard time calling in sick). When you are sick but your kids are not, you have to figure out who will get them to school, after school programs, etc. The last thing that you should be doing while very sick is be out and about in the cold weather. Let’s not forget the other unpleasant effects of the flu (ahem), which tends to make folks want to stay home near the bathroom.
Much like me, I imagine you will appreciate the following tips about preventing and dealing with the flu and colds. Vicks has partnered with Nurse Barb Dehn R.N., M.S., N.P. – she is a practicing Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and also an award-winning author! She has some very helpful information about Flu, Cough and Cold Season, which I am pleased to be able to share with you.
How do I know if I have the flu?
Nurse Barb says that “you are the most contagious in the first 24 hours when your symptoms are at their worst.”. You should also be aware of the following signs: Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, sore throat, running nose, headache, body aches, chills, or fatigue. If you have two or more of these symptoms, it is best to stay home and rest.
Preventing the flu
Avoid germs at work. Watch out for these germ-ridden places at the office: the sink in the break
room, the office microwave, and doorknobs. Keep antiseptic wipes with you and remember to wash your hands frequently.
And as I mentioned above, use antiseptic wipes at the grocery store, and wash hands like crazy after you use the restroom in any public place, or after you have touched doorknobs and handles. I have a little ritual that I do each time I am exiting a public bathroom: After I have washed and dried my hands, I grab a paper towel and use it to open the door. This way I am avoiding getting germs from the handle, on my freshly washed hands. I toss the paper towel in the closest garbage can and go on my merry way.
Relieving flu symptoms
Elevate the head of the bed. Place a pillow under your mattress to raise the upper body from the waist up. This allows blood to flow away from the head and reduce inflammation of the air passages. Using extra pillows can also ease body aches by taking the pressure off hips, knees and back.
Take a hot shower before bed. Steam and humidity can cause sinuses to drain and relieve stuffiness from a cold. It can also help you to relax, and ease chills, aches and fatigue. Put your towel and/or bathrobe in the dryer so that you don’t feel chilled when you get out, and make sure the room is nice and warm.
Now this is a fantastic idea! Getting the chills is horrible, but they can be avoided with a warm bathrobe after bathing, and a nice toasty house. Genius! I personally LOVE taking baths – it is the ultimate in relaxation!
Sleep on a schedule. Go to bed and wake up on a regular schedule. Plus, avoid stimulating beverages like caffeinated coffee or alcohol before going to sleep, as well as bright light from the screens on your phone, TV or other electronic devices.
This is a little easier said than done, for me at least. I tend to wake up much earlier than I should, however when I am sick, it is a little easier to make myself stay in bed longer. I would like to add to this, especially for moms, this is a great time to be waited on. We are usually the ones taking care of everyone else, and we rarely get sick days. Take full advantage of it if someone wants to bring you things in bed. That sounds dreamy…
Try drinking tea. Drinking an herbal tea such as chamomile, passionflower or other soothing teas before bed can help you relax while also getting helpful fluids into your system.
Take a multi-symptom medication. My patients want fast, effective relief to help them get back to their busy lives. Look for a medication that can treat the toughest symptoms while also helping you rest. DayQuil Severe and NyQuil Severe fight your worst cold & flu symptoms so you can power through symptoms during the day, and get the rest you need at night to get back to being you.
My family has used Vicks products for years. When we get sick, Vicks are the first medicines we look for, as they offer great relief, and take care of our symptoms for hours (which is greatly appreciated). I was excited to learn that Better Homes & Gardens has named Vicks DayQuil Severe and NyQuil Severe Best New Cold and Cough Remedy in the 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Best New Products Awards.
I have to admit that I am not completely surprised though – Vicks products contain maximum strength ingredients which are very effective in relieving the worst cold and flu symptoms.
Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe was voted the 2015 Best Cold & Cough Remedy in the 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Best New Product Awards. This is wonderful news, it is such a huge honor as the Better Homes and Gardens Best New Product Awards (BNPA) is the most credible, consumer-voted awards program in the U.S. – it represents the unbiased voice of consumers nationwide.
I definitely don’t want myself or my family to get sick this winter, but if we do, I know that Vicks has us covered! Speaking of covered, I am enjoying staying toasty and warm under this gorgeous throw that was sent to me by Vicks
*Although I am part of the Vick’s Ambassador Network, and will be compensated, all stories and opinions are my own.
46 Responses
Knock on wood that our flu shots will work again this year. Been lucky so far and avoided it!
I wish you the best of luck!
I’m still amazed at how many people do not bother washing their hands after using the restroom, and if they aren’t washing then, then they probably aren’t washing just to get rid of regular germs. Vicks is our go-to brand to tackle our worst symptoms.
It’s scary, isn’t it? I don’t get it either, especially in public restrooms. YUCK.
We got hit pretty hard this year with flu and colds. I had some of the liquid Vicks NyQuil and DayQuil and it helped a ton! Made me feel human again!
I just got over the flu. I came home from a ski trip and was knocked out. Cold medicine like was my best friend
Thanks for these great tips. We managed to dodge the majority of the funk this season, and I’m so happy about that. The flu is the worst!
I am glad you have dodged it so far. Fingers crossed that you continue to do so!
*knock on wood* We’ve been pretty lucky because no one has brought home germs. But when they do, the Quils – both day and night – are my go-to remedy. I love that DayQuil is non-drowsy!
Yes, me too!
Oh, I know the seasonal flu symptoms all too well and I don’t know where I would be without NyQuil
NyQuil is one of the best cures for being sick. I take it all the time when I’m sick because I hate being that way. Plus it helps me sleep which is always a good thing to do when you’re not feeling good.
Agreed! Rest is definitely needed when sick. I love NyQuil too 🙂
We have been washing our hands like crazy in our house. We have all still been sick, but I think it’s been less.
I am sorry to hear this…ironically enough, my husband and daughter both got colds after I wrote this post. Good thing we had Vicks on hand!
I’m crazy with the shopping cart – first I bring my own sanitizing wipes because I don’t trust the ones in the store, then I wipe the cart, put on a shopping cart cover for the little one before I put her in the seat, and then we use hand sanitizer when we leave and come home and wash the cover! It’s a little nuts but you never know what’s lurking on those nasty handles!
I absolutely agree! I don’t think you can be too careful.
I have my fingers crossed that nobody in the house gets the flu this year. I always keep a supply of Nyquil on hand just incase.
I love NyQuil and DayQuil. They are both lifesavers when I’m feeling down in the dumps.
Oh how I miss Nyquil and Dayquil I used to only use them for my colds and since being pregnant last and now still bfing I have had to suffer! Great stuff
I live off Dayquil and Nyquil when I come down with winter illnesses. They’re the only things that really seem to help with most symptoms.
Gah! All of my three kids have a horrid cold right now. Runny noses, eyes and coughing. It is just gross 🙁 Makes me feel horrible for them! We do the elevating of their heads when they sleep, so they can breathe and the hot showers, for the steam. I hope they feel better soon! Thanks for these helpful tips.
The flu is the WORST, but so far (knock on wood) we’ve avoided it this year. Elevating the head of the bed is something I’m always sure to do when we have any congestion; it’s amazing how much it helps!
Our family has survived colds and flu with Dayquil and Nyquil for years, although flu has reduced quite a bit with flu shots. However, this year my oldest daughter got it (just a week ago, actually). We spotted the Severe at Walgreen’s and picked up some of each. Thanks for the good advice about defeating those obnoxious germs.
You are very welcome! I’m glad you picked up some Severe to help with the symptoms. Hope your daughter feels better soon!
These are some great tips! My son has the flu right now and I’m hoping I don’t get it! DayQuill is a great reliever!
I had the flu at the very beginning of the season – not fun!! Vicks definitely helped.
the flu is definitely nasty stuff. Anything to get rid of it, or not get it in the first place
I am so happy I didnt get sick this year! Come on Spring I am ready for you!
I didn’t get the flu, but had a nasty head cold at the beginning of the season. Vicks was my go to night and day for feeling better!
I love love love Vicks! I just got over a 24-hr flu. I was so happy it was only 24 hours.
No kidding! If you must get the flu, 24 hours is definitely long enough!
The flu is no joke. It got my family good this year. We do love vicks, helps a lot!
I just got over having a cold. Still have the cough lingering though.
Sometimes those coughs last forever! Hope you are feeling better now!
Ugh having the flu is awful! My whole family is just getting over it. I second making sure you have plenty of fluids and tea is a great option!
I am so sorry to hear this… I hope you are all better by now!
I use Vicks and Nyquil products, Can’t do cold season without them.
These are all great tips, I love taking a hot shower and letting the steam work its magic.
My husband uses DayQuil to get through his days when he has to work. We haven’t tried this variety yet. For the longest time Vicks was my go-to because I didn’t have to take pills to get relief. I’ve been experimenting with my own. So far I haven’t had a chance to use it.
Green tea and lemon essential oil works really well for me.
Ugh, I feel like we have been sick all winter! Usually we are never sick but this winter has done us all in. We will all be using Vicks tonight with our sniffles!
Nyquil has gotten me thru some really tough sick nights. Helps me sleep so much better
Dayquil has saved me a few times. we always keep it in the house.
DayQuil is my best friend when I am sick and still have to go to work! I owe so much to Vicks haha!
I have had the Flu and it is the worst! I pray I don’t get it again, but if I did, I would use these products.
My parents were visiting recently and my dad left here with a cold. I’ve been trying to fight off the germs ever since.