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
... continue reading