11 Cold and Flu Season Survival Hacks Our Health Planners Swear By

It’s that special time of year again when everyone you know (including you) gets the flu, COVID or the flu at some point. And while there are now FDA-approved tests to tell you if you have COVID or the flu, you still have to deal with the symptoms. We are talking about the dreaded sore throat, stuffy nose, cold, flu, cough and more.

To help you get through this season, CNET’s health editors have rounded up our cold and flu season hacks we use to avoid getting sick at all costs. In addition to our tips, we’ve included any products we like and links to more information on why these hacks might work.

Detox Tea

“Whenever I feel a cold coming on, I always make this detox tea drink. The recipe includes pure cranberry juicelemon tea and organic dandelion. I will take a gallon glass or a very large mason jar and fill it with hot water. Then, I double up dandelion tea bags 10 to 15 minutes. Next, I added the juice of one cup of lemon and half of pure cranberry juice. This drink is very bitter, so I suggest adding honey.

In addition to three healthy meals throughout the day, I try to finish drinking as much tea as possible. It really helps to flush everything out and keep me hydrated. Plus, drinking it hot soothes my throat. Pure cranberry juice and dandelion tea have lots of anti-bacterial properties and lemon has vitamin C.” – Caroline Igo, sleep editor

Zinc

“During cold and flu season, I try to take it Zinc even as some studies show that it may reduce the fever in a day or two. That debate is still up for debate, but I’ve found that if I take it, I stay healthy during cold and flu season. I’m also focusing on maintaining a high-fat diet to support the immune system, so it could be a combination of things.” – Giselle Castro-Sloboda, health writer.

Echinacea

“I take it echinacea ingredients when I’m sick because of the evidence (which seems mixed and incomplete) that it may help you feel better faster and may have some immune-boosting properties.” – Jessica Rendall, health writer

Turmeric

“I love turmeric lattes and teas when I’m not feeling well. Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is said to be beneficial for those dealing with allergies and infections. It’s also been linked to anxiety relief, which I feel especially when I’m sick Regardless, hot drinks are known to relieve cold and flu symptoms, and I definitely feel these benefits with my turmeric drinks.

When I tried to make my own turmeric latte, I prefer the taste of Golden SuperLatte from Clevr Blends, including probiotics, mushrooms and adaptogens. For a cheaper option, I like it too Yogi Tea’s Honey Chai Turmeric Vitality Tea with more honey (and sometimes lemon). Note that both drinks contain black pepper, which may increase your body’s ability to absorb curcumin, a beneficial compound in turmeric.” – Anna Gragert, health editor

Elderberry

“Although more research is needed to fully understand the full effects of elderberry in treating or preventing colds or flu, this add which you can always find in my medicine cabinet. I take it every day and find that I get sick less than when I didn’t take it. I’ve tried it in all its forms — gummies, syrups, pills and tablets. Gummies are definitely more delicious, but they usually come with a lot of added sugar, so I just stick to capsules. This, along with good sleep, exercise and frequent hand washing, are things I can do during cold and flu season.” – Nasha Addarich Martínez, managing editor

Focusing on taking care of the throat with tea, honey and more

“When I have a cold, I like to make fresh ginger tea and add honey to it. For a sore and itchy throat, I apply salt and warm water, but I also rub my throat with a mixture of warm honey and lemon juice. (some people use lemon). – Giselle Castro-Sloboda , health writer

Hot water, honey, apple cider vinegar and hot toddy

“When I’m sick in the winter, it’s usually a sore throat or strep. Some cough drops sometimes seem to increase my throat pain and soreness when the temporary relief I’m giving wears off. Instead, I turn to hot drinks. honey (preferably store-bought honey) I’ll eat easily during the day: hot water, honey and a small amount of apple cider vinegar Another hot toddy in the evening, usually a few hours before bed).

A variety of hot toddies have been used as a cold and cough remedy for centuries. The recipe usually involves hot water, whiskey, honey and lemon, often garnished with a cinnamon stick. Of course, adding whiskey is totally optional, and you’ll still feel the cooling benefits of this drink without it. In addition to washing my hands regularly, I spend time outside as much as possible in the winter. Getting some fresh air and sunlight — even in the colder months — seems to help boost my immune system (and my mood).” – Aly Lopez, sleep writer

Prepare your sleep

“Sleep is an important part of recovering from the flu. That said, it can be very difficult to sleep when you’re sick, especially if you have a runny nose or a constant cough. To combat this, I usually sleep tight when I get out. ‘I’m sick It might sound crazy, but it helps make sure I can breathe. and enough sleep so that my body can rest and recover as quickly as possible, although I often pack that I have to put cash.” – Taylor Leamey, sleep writer

VapoRub

“For congestion and cough, I rely on it Vicks VapoRub and rub it on my chest (be careful not to put it in or near your vagina). A temporary fix that helps erase my sins quickly. Now that I’m dealing with a small one, I’ve found that a steam bath helps with a stuffy nose, followed by wiping it with nasal aspirator.” – Giselle Castro-Sloboda, health writer

Steam

“Whenever I’m sick, it usually causes congestion in my upper respiratory tract. To help clear my sinuses and make blowing my nose easier, my go-to is a hot shower as inhaling the steam has been shown to reduce cold symptoms. avoid hot water that burns my skin, I’ll usually let shower to escape my body for a few minutes while I breathe deeply to inhale the steam.” – Anna Gragert, health editor

Pay attention to your body’s signals

Over time, I learned that when my body is down and possibly “down” with something, that is, fighting an infection or illness, the skin on my back will be very sensitive. Because of this, my temperature may also be raised slightly from my baseline, even if it is not high enough to count as a fever. This is my way of taking it easy, eating more fruits and vegetables and going to bed early to give my immune system the best chance to fight back effectively. I realize that not everyone will have this predicament, but I think that paying attention to your body’s symptoms may be an illness, and adjusting accordingly, is beneficial. ” – Jessica Rendall, health writer