Tips and tricks from health editors for coping with cold and flu season

It’s that time of year again when everyone you know (including you) has a cold. Covid or influenza At some point. And while there is now FDA approved testing To tell you whether you have coronavirus or the flu, you still have to deal with the symptoms. There are ways to make sore throat, stuffy nose, chills, fever, cough and other symptoms more manageable.

CNET’s health editors have rounded up our cold and flu season tricks that we use to avoid getting sick as best as we can. In addition to our tips, we recommend products we like and links to additional information on why these hacks work.

Detox tea

“Whenever I feel cold, I always make a detox tea. The recipe includes pure tea Cranberry juiceOrganic lemon and dandelion tea. I’ll take a gallon cup or a very large pitcher and fill it with hot water. Then, I sharp two Dandelion tea bags For 10 to 15 minutes. Next, I add the juice of one lemon and 1/2 cup 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 as much tea as possible. It really helps get everything out and keep me hydrated. Plus, drinking it hot soothes my throat. Pure cranberry juice and Dandelion tea It contains a high percentage of antioxidants and Lemon contains vitamin C” – Caroline Igoe, sleep editor

Zinc

“During cold and flu season, I try to eat… Zinc Regularly for some time Studies show that it may relieve colds A day or two. This argument is still debated, but I have found that when I take it, I stay healthy during cold and flu season. I also focus on maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants Support my immune systemso it could be a combination of things.” —Giselle Castro Sloboda, health writer

Echinacea

“I take Echinacea supplements When I’m sick because the evidence seems mixed and inconclusive that it might help you feel better faster and maybe it did Some immune boosting properties-Jessica Rendall, wellness writer

turmeric

“I love turmeric lattes and tea when I’m not feeling well. It’s said that turmeric, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can It benefits those who deal with allergies and infections. It is also connected Relieve anxietyThis is what I feel especially when I am sick. Regardless, they are known to be hot drinks Alleviating the symptoms of influenza and coldsAnd I definitely feel these benefits with my favorite turmeric drinks.

Although I’ve tried making my own turmeric latte, I prefer the taste Golden latte From Clevr Blends, which includes probiotics, mushrooms, and adaptogens. For a cheaper option, I also like it Yogi Tea Honey Turmeric Vitality Tea With a little honey added (and sometimes lemon). Note that both drinks contain black pepper, which may increase the body’s ability to absorb curcumin, a beneficial turmeric compound. —Anna Gragert, Wellness Editor

elderberry

“Although more research is needed to fully understand Effects of elderberry in treating or preventing colds Or the flu, that is extension Which you can always find in my medicine cabinet. I take it daily and have found that I feel less sick than when I didn’t take it. I’ve tried it in all its forms – gummies, syrups, tablets and capsules. The gummies are definitely tastier, but they often come with a lot of added sugar, so I just stick to the capsules. This, along with good sleep, exercise, and washing your hands frequently, are my favorite things to do during cold and flu season.” — Nasha Adaric Martinez, Managing Editor

Focus on throat care with tea, honey, etc

“If I get a cold, I like to brew Fresh ginger tea And add honey to it. For sore throat and itching, I Gargle with salt and warm waterbut I also cover my throat with A mixture of warm honey And lemon juice (some people also use lemon). It is like a homemade medicinal syrup that tastes good and soothes the throat at the same time. —Giselle Castro Sloboda, wellness writer

Hot water, honey, apple cider vinegar and hot drinks

“If I get sick during the winter, it’s usually accompanied by a sore throat or strep. Certain cough drops sometimes seem to worsen throat aches and pain once the temporary relief they provide wears off. Instead, I resort to hot drinks with honey ( Preferably purchased locally.) One of the mixtures I’ll use during the day is simple: hot water, honey, and a small amount of honey Apple cider vinegar. The other is a hot drink in the evening, usually two hours before bed.

Various types of hot drinks were used as cold and cough remedies Hundreds of years. The recipe typically includes hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon, and is often garnished with a cinnamon stick. Of course, adding whiskey is completely optional, and you’ll still feel the soothing benefits of this drink without it. In addition to washing my hands frequently, I spend time outside as much as possible during the winter. Getting fresh air and sunlight — even during the colder months — seems to help Boost my immune system (And my mood).” — Ali Lopez, sleep writer

Improve your sleep

“Sleep is An essential part of recovering from the flu. However, it can be very difficult to sleep when you are sick, especially if you have a runny nose or persistent cough. To combat this, I often Sleep is supported When I’m sick. It may sound a little strange, but it helps make sure I can breathe and get enough sleep to allow my body to rest and recover as quickly as possible. There are specialized pillows for this, although I tend to stack what I have to save some cash. — Taylor Lemmy, sleep writer

VapoRub

“In case of congestion and cough, I rely on Fix VapoRub And rub some of it on my chest (notice you You should not put it in or around your nose). It is a temporary remedy that helps clear your sinuses quickly. Now that I am dealing with a young child, I have found that steam baths help with a stuffy nose, followed by clearing it with Nasal aspirator-Giselle Castro Sloboda, wellness writer

steam

“Whenever I get sick, it creates upper respiratory congestion. To help clear my sinuses and make blowing my nose easier, my go-to steam bath has been my go-to steam bath ever since.” Steam inhalation has been shown to relieve cold symptoms. To avoid burning my skin with hot water, I often let the shower head escape my body for a few minutes while I take a deep breath to inhale the steam. —Anna Gragert, Wellness Editor

Pay attention to your body’s signals

“Over time, I’ve learned that when my body is stressed and perhaps ‘suffering’ from something, for example, fighting an infection or illness, the skin on my back becomes more sensitive. With this, my temperature may also rise. Being a little higher than the line My baseline, even if it’s not high enough to be considered a fever, is my cue to take it easy, eat more fruits and vegetables and go to bed early to give my immune system the best chance of successfully fighting off whatever it is, and I realize not everyone is going to have this On the face “It’s strange to be specific, but I think paying attention to your body’s signs that you might be getting sick, and adjusting accordingly, is helpful.” – Jessica Rendall, Wellness Writer