As we enter the end of Autumn, flu rates spike. This probably isn’t too surprising especially in the school environment. Many kids are jam-packed into the same room, breathing the same air, and touching the same surfaces, even with masks on. And unfortunately, our whole family often faces the consequences. One person gets sick, then another, then everyone in the household is feeling under the weather.

While the flu typically lasts between three and seven days, some symptoms can linger. For some individuals, this can translate over into feeling unwell for up to two weeks! For instance, coughing and general fatigue can stick around after the initial onset and after other symptoms have disappeared. So, what can you do to bounce back? How can you and your family feel better?

7 Tips to Recover Faster From the Cold & Flu

As you might already know, the flu is very contagious. It spreads through schools and households like wildfire. Luckily, there are things you can do to support your immune system and recover faster. Check out our tips below.

1. Stay Home & Get Some Rest

Your body requires energy to fight the virus and ultimately eliminate it. This means you don’t want to be doing anything too strenuous. It’s probably a good idea to stick close to home to avoid spreading it to others, as well as avoid intense workouts (although, some movement can provide benefits, such as enhancing blood flow and clearing congestion).

At the same time, get to bed at a decent hour. Take naps as needed. Now is the time to curl up on your couch and binge that new Netflix series!

2. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

If you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, hydration is even more important to replenish lost fluids. If your symptoms are fairly mild, your body still requires adequate water. This can further help support the body’s detoxification organs, flushing out toxins and any debris from the battle that’s taking place throughout your systems.

3. Use These Remedies to Ease Congestion

Not being able to breathe easily through your nose isn’t a fun time. On top of this, it can make getting to sleep and staying to sleep a tiresome task. But there are a few things you can do, such as adding an extra pillow under your head at night, using a vaporizer or humidifier, and taking a hot shower or bath.

4. Add Honey to Your Tea

While you want to maintain an overall healthy diet, adding honey into the mix leads to various advantages. Many scientific studies actually show the anti-viral effects of honey and how it can help combat influenza.

Try taking one to three teaspoons of honey a day by adding it to your tea, mixing it with yogurt, or simply consuming it as it is! This can also help alleviate coughing and sore throat, helping you feel momentarily better.

5. Maintain a Positive Mindset

We know this is so hard to do! Yet, some evidence shows how the power of positive thinking can influence disease and illness outcomes. The reason for this? Well, negative thinking tends to stress people out, meaning the body produces more adrenaline and cortisol. When sick or over longer durations, this can have adverse impacts on your health.

So, look forward! Think positively. Even affirmations like “This is temporary” or “I will feel better soon” can help you keep your mindset in check and avoid any mental pitfalls that come with being sick.

6. Echinacea

Echinacea is a herb that has widely been studied for its role in preventing and treating the common cold. Researchshows it can help reduce and prevent the cold and flu. Echinacea is usually consumed as a supplement, such as in capsule form.

7. Take Supportive Supplements

Life Nutrition is here for you and your family. Our mission is to help individuals and families improve their overall health and wellness so that they can live their very best lives. Some of Life Nutrition’s supplements that can help boost immunity and recovery include Advanced Probiotics, Women and Men's Everyday Complete, Deep Sea Fish Oil, Kids Probiotics, Kids DHA, and Kids Algae Calcium+D.

Use our tips above to get you and your family back to 110%!