The common cold is surging across the United States right now. As a mom to a toddler in daycare, I have a front row seat to how sick everyone can get. Because the show must go on, I have learned to arm myself with cold and flu essentials that help keep the sniffles and worse at bay. From trendy hand sanitizers to app-enabled humidifiers, these products are your ticket to surviving and thriving when everyone is getting sick.
1. Beekeeper's Naturals Propolis Throat Spray
A quick spray might keep a nasty cold at bay. I have polled and interviewed numerous health professionals over my journalism career, and this product keeps coming up as part of immune-boosting recommendations that do not require a doctor visit. This propolis spray coats your throat with honey, vegetarian glycerine, and high-grade bee propolis extract, naturally loaded with immune-boosting zinc, iron, antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins B, C, and D. One reviewer says: 'Great immune support for my toddler and myself. We avoided getting my husband's last two colds. The spray is easy to use and compact enough to toss in your purse or diaper bag.' $14 at Amazon.
2. Touchland Hand Sanitizers
My favorite section at Sephora is no longer designer fragrances. Instead, I treat my senses to Touchland hand sanitizers that could double as eau de parfums. Instead of harsh clinical stuff, the brand's unique scents get me excited about keeping my hands clean with hydrating aloe and gently scented essential oils. One reviewer says: 'Smells really good and is cleaner than having a sanitizer with a lid. Its slim design is easy to store in a backpack.' Single: $10 at Sephora; 3-Pack: $30 at Amazon.
3. NeilMed Sinus Rinse
My friend put me on to this doctor-created saline nasal rinse, and I haven't gone back. Whether you have cold-related congestion or seasonal allergy stuffiness, this DIY rinse provides instant relief. Fill the bottle with warm distilled water, mix in a saline packet, and squeeze gently into your nasal passage. It feels odd at first, then weirdly satisfying. One reviewer says: 'Excellent product! Very easy to use and clean, and truly effective at relieving nasal congestion.' $12 at Amazon.
4. BNX N95 Masks
Our collective masking era is far from over. One of the best defenses against airborne illnesses is wearing a well-fitted N95 mask. Grab this pack of 10 protective masks certified to shield you against 95 percent of microscopic particles of 0.3 microns and above. Its headband-style straps and breathability make it a mask you will actually want to wear. One reviewer says: 'I have ordered these twice before during the pandemic and they were amazing. They are very comfortable, especially because they don't wrap behind the ears.' $15 at Amazon.
5. Levoit Cool Mist Humidifier
If you wake up unable to breathe from your nose, breathe easy with this ultra-popular Levoit humidifier. It features app connectivity for remote control, is ideal for spaces up to 505 square feet, provides low-water alerts, and includes an essential oil tray. One reviewer says: 'We have used several different humidifiers, and Levoit is the best at keeping rooms above 45% humidity. It is easy to use and clean.' $64 at Amazon (regularly $80).
6. Ricola Swiss Herb Lozenges
Growing up, the moment my throat would develop that familiar tickle, my mom gave me a Ricola lozenge. The Swiss herb blend stopped what could have been a full-fledged coughing fit. Its soothing relief of lemon balm, linden flowers, and peppermint is something I rely on season after season. One reviewer says: 'The value alone is incredible. Each drop delivers instant relief for a dry throat or stubborn cough, and the natural herbs leave a refreshing finish.' $13 at Amazon.
7. Lysol Sanitizing Wipes
I always have these Lysol wipes in stock to clean household surfaces and items that come into contact with germs. They wipe away 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses across 100 different surfaces. One reviewer says: 'Love these wipes! Very effective and high quality. They are durable and a great value for the money.' $5 at Amazon.
8. Yogi Immune Support Tea Trio
Tea won't ward off illness completely, but it makes you feel more comfortable and helps fend off chills. This trio includes sweet lemon for immunity, honey chai turmeric to reduce inflammation, and elderberry lemon balm to take the stress off being sick. All are caffeine-free. One reviewer says: 'This tea is so delicious and great for your immune system. Minutes after drinking Elderberry Lemon Balm, my sore throat went right away.' $15 at Amazon.
9. Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
Proper hydration is linked to optimal health. This viral water bottle features two types of spouts and keeps water ice-cold for 24 hours. The 24-ounce option helps you get your daily eight cups of water. One reviewer says: 'I use this water bottle every single day. The insulation works really well and keeps water cold for hours. The FreeSip lid is convenient.' $30 at Amazon.
10. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Between dry air and tissue friction, the delicate area around your mouth and nose needs TLC. This soothing formula helps sore spots and creates a protective barrier. One reviewer says: 'I got the flu and my nose area started to dry and crack. Two nights of applying this before bed and I am healed.' $13 at Amazon.
11. Puffs Vicks Tissues
These tissues are infused with soothing lotion and a Vicks Vapor Rub scent to help relieve stuffy noses. They feel plush and pillowy, making them a treat for delicate skin. One reviewer says: 'Absolutely my favorite tissues. They do not irritate my nose, and the Vicks infusion helps with congestion.' $7 at Amazon.
12. Bedsure Heated Blanket
Curl up under this electric heated blanket for ultimate warmth. It features intuitive controls, thick fleece sherpa material, six heat levels, and 10 time intervals. Available in sizes from full to king and multiple colors. One reviewer says: 'Absolutely love this blanket. It is so soft and warm. The heating element covers the whole bed and warms up quick.' $60+ at Amazon.
This article was originally published on HuffPost.
