How to Survive Cold and Flu Season + COVID-19 This Year

2020 has been one for the books. We’ve officially entered cold and flu season, and COVID-19 certainly hasn’t made anything easier. Keeping your family (and of course your friends and neighbors) safe is so important, especially as new COVID cases are on the rise and flu season is upon us.

Some of the best ways we can keep ourselves safe is by taking proactive steps to keep others safe — from washing our hands to staying home when we’re not feeling well to wearing a mask when we go out in public. It takes a community effort to put others’ health and wellbeing before our own, in hopes that we in turn will stay safe and healthy.

Today I’ve compiled my top 10 things to help you and your family during flu season, as well as during the global pandemic that is COVID-19.

10 THINGS TO HELP YOU SURVIVE COLD AND FLU SEASON + COVID-19

Mask Up –

My husband has asthma, so this is a must for our household. (We also have a number of friends who work in the ER — who we constantly are in prayer for as they head to work each day) Every time we step out of the house, we are doing our best to protect anyone with a pre-existing condition, as well as our parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, etc.

We really like these — they’re cotton and they have an adjustable nose bridge.

Carry Hand Sanitizer and Wash Your Hands –

I feel like COVID has made us way more conscious of hand washing and keeping surfaces clean — way more than flu season. However, if you follow my other posts, you know that I don’t like using toxic chemicals for cleaning (I was getting the WORST headaches, and I realized it wasn’t healthy — or responsible of me — to have toxic chemicals around our family and pets) What I love about this brand is that it was founded on plant-based, non-toxic and eco-friendly formulas — they sell refillable packages for their soap so you aren’t buying new packaging every single time.

Check out their soaps and other natural products here.

Take Vitamin C –

I personally HATE Emergen-C and most other Vitamin C powders because they make me choke and gag when I try to drink them. Not this one.

I have repurchased Sufficient-C so many times pre-COVID as a flu season precaution and I’m obsessed. Any time I go out or interact with other people, I make myself a glass of this when I get home.

Check it out here.

Take an Immune Boost –

Speaking of Vitamin C, during flu season (and especially with COVID-19), another thing I would highly recommend introducing into your rotation of vitamins and supplements is Hydralyte’s Immune System Boost.

This electrolyte powder is super effective (though I tend to use twice the recommended water amount).

Check it out here.

Drink Plenty of Water –

Staying hydrated is important no matter what season, but during flu season, it’s important to make sure your body is functioning at optimal levels.

If you’re looking for a super cool and futuristic water bottle to have on the go, I’d recommend the Larq water bottle. It’s self-cleaning and has a UV water purifier so you can fill up your water anywhere! Otherwise, Zero Water is our go-to at home.

Check out the Larq bottle here and Zero Water pitcher here.

Drink a Green Smoothie –

One of the best natural defenses our bodies have to getting sick is through food.

My Ultimate Green Smoothie recipe is packed full of nutrients and vitamins to promote gut health, as well as a healthy and whole body. (Bonus: It’s also anti-inflammatory and PCOS-friendly!)

Check out the full recipe and shopping list here.

Get a Thrive Market Subscription –

Thrive Market is by far the best way to grocery shop for healthy food. You get wholesale prices for so many amazing brands shipped right to your door! Anything that can save me $$$ on groceries and help us stay safe during flu season and a pandemic gets an A+ from me!

Check out my complete review of Thrive Market (+ get access to an exclusive discount) here.

Pick Up an Air Purifier –

I mentioned this Dyson Hot + Cold Purifying Heater and Fan in my Beginners Guide to a Smart Home post, but an air purifier with an HEPA filter is really what you’re looking for.

We picked up this one at the start of the pandemic and it has made a huge difference in our home (particularly for our seasonal allergies).

Turn on Your Diffuser –

I’m a HUGE fan of candles, but the majority of candles release acetone, benzene, and toluene – all known carcinogens and bad for the environment– into the air. I will say the great thing about diffusing essential oils is that it doesn’t make the air feel “heavy,” and you can clean the air while making it smell great in your house. You do need to be careful when purchasing essential oils to ensure you’re purchasing pure essential oils. Doterra is amazing, but really pricey, so I typically recommend Art Naturals.

Check out their diffuser and 8 oil starter kit here.