SURVIVING THE FLU

It's not secret that every year the flu goes around, amongst other illnesses like covid, RSV, and Strep. When the flu hits your household, it could leave you and your home down and out and feeling like a tornado struck more than just your body. There's well known things you can do to help make the flu just a tad bit easier such as making sure you get plenty of rest, keeping up with water and fluid intake and staying on top of medications. But there's a handful of things that aren't so known that can truly help you during those sick days. Make sure you keep these things in stock so when the flu or other illnesses hit, you are prepared to help yourself and your family get through it well prepared. BENADRYL Benadryl helps with more than just allergies. It helps keep your nasal passage clear. Reduces mucus. And also helps reduce inflammation in your nose and sinues. Not to mention, Benadryl causes drowsiness which will help you sleep through those first nights of the flu when your body aches the worst, your head feels like it's exploding and your fever isn't even close to breaking. BREATH RIGHT STRIP This works alongside the Benadryl to help keep your nasal passage open and your ability to breath, especially at night, a tad bit easier. Also, along with the Benadryl, it eliminates any allergies so you can concentrate on the flu symptoms without further complications. COUGH DROPS WITH MINT Or anything you can suck on but that quickly dissolves such as breath mints or breath strips. Even if you don't have a cough, cough drops will help keep your mouth moist and help keep that bad sick taste that you get in your mouth at bay, making that week a bit more bearable and keeping you from feeling over dehydrated (this, obviously, does not replace actually staying hydrated, you still need lots of fluids and electrolytes). YETI WATER BOTTLE OR SOMETHING SIMILIAR Fill it with ice and water and keep it by your bedside. If you can't drink, use some of the ice to suck on. However, make it a priority to drink that full bottle of water bottle every single day to the best of your ability. Drink it in the morning with meds and anytime you have to take meds, drink it when you start to get cotton mouth and your mouth starts to get sticky and dry. MOST IMPORTANT ITEM BESIDES WATER, REST AND MEDS .... CHAPSTICK It is the most underrated item that you need when sick that you never hear about!! Do not underestimate the need for this one item when you have the flu. Chapstick will keep your lips moist, help prevent drying, and keep them from peeling. I'll never go through another flu without ensuring I have a medicated chapstick by my bedside at all times. These items along with all the common known things will help you survive the flu in more comfort. Be sure to put these on your next shopping list so you have them ready to go when you or someone in your household gets sick next. I don't know how I would have survived the flu without these things. A few more tips from this Mom to other parents, if you don't have help with the kids while your sick, make life simple. Leave fruit snacks, fruit, granola bars, gold fish, veggie chips, Capri Suns, and other easy to grab snacks and drinks that your kids can get into on their own. Show them where to find zip lock baggies where they can put things such as strawberries and grapes into them and sit to watch movies. If you have kids that are slightly older, leave things out like Chef Boy R Dee's and other easy to make foods such as Mac N Cheese cups, soup cups and top ramen. Have your older ones help ensure the house stays controlled and cleaned. Kids 7-10 can put dishes in the dishwasher, wipe down counters, sweep, mop, vacuum and take out trash. 10+ can even do laundry, help bath younger ones, ensure themselves and younger siblings stay fed, are entertained and even put to bed on time allowing you the max amount of rest you can get. It doesn't have to be all healthy meals and spotless house cleaning. When Mama has the flu and is down, surviving is the only thing that matters. Remember, fed kids are happy kids. It doesn't matter if they are eating cereal for dinner while you are sick and recovering. They'll be just fine and so will you when all is said and done. A Mom who takes care of herself is a Mom who can then get back on her feet quicker to help take care of everyone else. The flu happens, but it doesn't have to leave you and your household completely miserable. Hope this little guide to surviving the flu helps. Take Care! XOXO, -C.