While the fall and winter seasons bring many fun holidays and enjoyable activities for friends and family to do together, this is also the time of year when we must be mindful of flu season. However, it's no longer just the flu you need to be concerned about. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 also spread during flu season.
Although there is now an FDA-approved test that you can take at home to determine if you have COVID-19 or the flu, we unfortunately still have to cope with the symptoms, regardless of which illness you test positive for. Fortunately, there are various things we can do to alleviate symptoms such as a stuffy nose, cough and sore throat. This is what we wellness editors are doing to stay healthy and avoid getting sick this season.
There's nothing better than a comforting broth when you're not feeling well. Brodo
A comforting broth
"I know a lot of people who turn to bone broth when they don't feel well for its nutritional benefits and warm temperature. However, as a vegetarian for 20 years, I thought I was excluded from giving this a try until Brodo offered to send me its vegan Mushroom Broth. I've been using it for the last few weeks when my allergies and sinuses have been causing discomfort, and I have to say that it's both tasty and comforting. It's also great for when you want a more savory, non-tea hot beverage.
It comes ready-to-go in a pouch that you simply pour into your mug, microwave for 60 to 90 seconds and sip. (After all, no one wants to get up to make their own broth when they feel awful). My partner has also been using it as a quick base for soups." -- Anna Gragert, wellness editor
Zinc
"During cold and flu season, I try to take zinc regularly since some studies show it may shorten a cold by a day or two. That argument is still up for debate, but I've found when I take it, I remain healthy during cold and flu season. I also focus on maintaining a diet that's high in antioxidants to support my immune system, so it can be a combination of things." -- Giselle Castro-Sloboda, wellness writer
Turmeric has many health benefits and also makes for a tasty latte. annick vanderschelden photography/Getty Images
Turmeric
"I love turmeric lattes and teas when I'm not feeling well. Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is said that turmeric could benefit those dealing with allergies and infections. It is also connected to easing anxiety, which is something I especially feel when I'm sick. Regardless, hot drinks are known to relieve symptoms of the flu and common cold, and I definitely feel these benefits with my favorite turmeric drinks.
While I have tried to make my own turmeric latte, I prefer the taste of the Golden SuperLatte from Clevr Blends, which includes probiotics, mushrooms and adaptogens. For a cheaper option, I also love Yogi Tea's Honey Chai Turmeric Vitality tea with a bit of added honey (and sometimes lemon). Note that both drinks contain black pepper, which may increase your body's ability to absorb curcumin, turmeric's beneficial compound." – Anna Gragert, wellness editor
Elderberry
"Even though more research is needed to fully comprehend the full effects of elderberry in treating or preventing a cold or the flu, this is a supplement that you can always find in my medicine cabinet. I take it daily and have found I get sick less than when I didn't take it. I've tried it in all its forms -- gummies, syrup, tablets and capsules. The gummies are for sure the tastiest, but they often come with a lot of added sugar, so I just stick to the capsules. This, paired with good sleep, exercise and washing your hands frequently, are my go-tos during cold and flu season." – Nasha Addarich Martínez, managing editor
Honey can soothe sore throats. Drazen Zigic/Getty Images
Focusing on throat care with tea, honey and more
"If I get a cold, I like brewing fresh ginger tea and adding honey to it. For sore and scratchy throats, I gargle with salt and warm water, but I also coat my throat with a concoction of warmed-up honey and lime juice (some people also use lemon). It's like a homemade medicinal syrup that tastes good and soothes the throat at the same time." – Giselle Castro-Sloboda, wellness writer
VapoRub
"For congestion and cough, I rely on Vicks VapoRub and rub some on my chest (note that you should not put it in or around your nostrils). It's a temporary fix that helps clear my sinuses quickly. And now that I'm dealing with a little one, I have found that steam baths help with a stuffy nose, followed by clearing it with a nasal aspirator." – Giselle Castro-Sloboda, wellness writer
Use the power of steam to clear out your sinuses. Shannon Fagan/Getty Images
Steam
"Whenever I get sick, it tends to cause congestion in my upper respiratory tract. To help clear out my sinuses and make blowing my nose easier, my go-to is a steamy shower since steam inhalation has been shown to alleviate cold symptoms. To avoid hot water scalding my skin, I will often let the showerhead run away from my body for a few minutes while I take deep breaths to inhale the steam." – Anna Gragert, wellness editor