Y’all, it’s that time of year again, the time when you turn the corner only to find another friend or family member has caught something! We all want to know how to stay healthy during cold and flu season! It’s miserable if you’re sick and it’s not an easy job trying to avoid it!

So today I want to share my top 9 tips to boost your immune system and stay healthy this flu season!

1. Elderberry syrup – Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock there’s a good chance you’ve heard about Elderberry syrup! This stuff is a powerhouse of antioxidants that boost your immune system. When taken regularly, it has been shown to reduce the risk of cold and flu by 40%!! That’s a higher rate than last year’s flu shot per the CDC website. Check out this article on PubMed to learn more about the benefits of elderberry!  If you are interested in purchasing homemade syrup or a DIY Kit send me an email at thevintageflower.emily@gmail.com

2. Squirt hydrogen peroxide on your toothbrush – It’s important for your toothbrush to fully dry between uses in order for bacteria to not be present. One way to help kill any extra bacteria is a quick squirt of hydrogen peroxide after brushing! Also, be sure to NOT wash it in the dishwasher. I used to do this but learned it actually can cause the bristles to break down because of the extended hot water exposure. 

3. Wash your hands and carry hand sanitizer without triclosan – This is a super simple way to stop germs! Remind your kids to wash hands when you get home each day. And after you get in the car from the store, school, gym, etc, use a spritz of hand sanitizer till you’re able to wash your hands. Our favorites are doTerra’s OnGuard sanitizing mist OR Honest Company’s spray.

4. Clean phone (and tv remotes) with rubbing alcohol – y’all! Our phones get pretty nasty! Remember to wipe them down once a week! Be sure you don’t forget computer keyboards, tablets, and other tech items. 

This video talks about how to correctly clean your phone!

5. Door knobs – After you clean your bathroom, wipe down doorknobs around the house. I don’t always get every door but I aim to do the bathroom and the main entrance door. 

6. Stay hydrated – water is super important for the body. Need I say more?

7. Eat healthy and cut back on sugars and processed foods—think bone broth, fresh veggies and fruits, plenty of protein and healthy fats, and less brownies + ice cream. 

8. Get outside for fresh air – In the winter it can be so easy to hole up and avoid the cold weather, rain, or snow, but try to get outside as much as you can. Even a little each day is beneficial. Go for a walk, take the kids to the park if it’s dry, throw on snow boots and splash in puddles, or throw snowballs! And on days when the sun does pop out, make the extra effort so you can get a dose of Vitamin D!

9. Sleep! – Listen, I get it. I struggle with shutting my brain off and going to bed at a reasonable hour #nightowl but getting plenty of sleep helps with so many things—stress, productivity, weight, etc. Give your body and mind the time it needs to rest and reset at night and help it stay healthy!

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So sometimes you get sick no matter how hard you try! What do you do to get better fast?? 

If you’re already sick with cold or flu what can you do to get well sooner??

1. Elderberry syrup – Guys! Taking this stuff every 2-3 hours when sick has been shown to reduce the length of flu symptoms by 3-4 days (see this article on pubmed)! 

2. Boiron Oscillococcinum – this is a go-to in my First Aid + health kit! It’s helped out my family several times when we have started to come down with something. It can be found at most local Walmarts or drug stores but here’s the Amazon link!

3. Epsom salt baths – Epsom salt has magnesium and is so beneficial for the body! If you are feverish the bath can help your aches or even keep your fever from getting too high. The magnesium will also help you relax and rest better. 

4. Homemade chicken soup (recipe coming soon!) – I make homemade chicken soup in the Instant Pot with bone broth (recipe coming for it too!), carrots, celery, onion, rice and/or barley, and chicken. It’s easy and so nutritious.

5. Stay home! Please don’t share your germs with others and let your body rest. ❤️

I hope these simple tips can help you keep your family healthy during cold and flu season this year! If you have questions just comment below!

-Emily

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Disclosure: Sometimes the links in my posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I earn a very small commission (just a few cents). You are never charged any additional amount but sometimes you may get a discount! Any products I link to are ones that I personally am using or would love to use for myself/my family.

Medical disclaimer:
The information in this post provides general information and is not intended as medical advice. NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. Please consult with your doctor if you have specific questions.

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