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You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when your kid comes home sneezing? That dreadful feeling of, “Oh no, the germs are invading—what can I do to stop it?”

You don’t have to quarantine yourself and just hope for the best (because that’s not an option if you’re a mom!). There are simple habits that you can follow to take care of yourself when someone in the house is down with the flu. You can also use some of these habits to take care of someone who is sick.

There are 2 things that I’ve found work wonders to keep me healthy even when everyone around me is not. I’ve found that if I boost my immune system and keep my nasal passages clear, I rarely catch a cold. Here’s how I do it:

Simple Habits for the Cold Season

Your immune system plays an important role in protecting your body. During the cold and flu season, simple habits like staying hydrated, eating a balanced meal, getting enough rest, and practicing good hygiene can help you. I try to follow this healthy routine daily and pay extra attention to them when someone in the family is sick.

• Vitamin D is an important nutrient, but whether you need the supplement depends on your needs. However, the dosage depends on age, body weight, height, and individual needs, so ask your doctor or pharmacist what is appropriate for you and your children.
• Elderberry syrup or tincture is a concentrated infusion of herbs that is commonly used in homemade wellness routines. I make my own and include several other ingredients, like cinnamon, clove, and ginger for their warm, spicy flavors.
• Eat healthy and drink lots of water! Avoid sugar, alcohol, and processed foods, and load up on fresh veggies, healthy fats, and broth! We drink tons of water in our house every day but make it a priority when someone in the house isn’t feeling well. We also do lots of herbal teas; I especially love peppermint and rosehips when sick.

Your Nasal Passages Clean

We all know how quickly the congestion can set in when you come down with a cold and how miserable it can make you feel.

I have found that nasal rinsing to be a useful part of my personal routine when I’m experiencing nasal congestion.

I use 2 different methods to rinse my nasal passages: a nasal irrigation system and a Neti pot. My husband thinks I’m crazy, but I reach for a Neti Pot whenever I’m experiencing nasal congestion. I recommend watching a couple of videos on YouTube to see how it works. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

And last but not least, make sure to wash your hands regularly and get plenty of rest.

What are your favorite remedies for fighting off a cold?