What I Do When We Have the Flu

A cute rhyming title for a fairly blah expertise. Lately the flu hit our family. Just one member of the family was struck (to date, knock on wooden) and has recovered and I wished to take a minute and write down what helped us. I like to do that to reference myself sooner or later but additionally as a result of I’ve discovered a lot from different mothers sharing what works for them.

When one in every of my children wakes up telling me they don’t really feel good my intestine reflex is a slight panic. It’s a pure response after we see our baby glassy eyed and feverish, proper? It at all times helps to remind myself that illness is regular. Enjoyable? No. However in some methods we’ve develop into a society that feels we should always by no means be sick. And whereas I want that had been true as a result of illness may be scary and inconvenient, it’s a standard a part of a wholesome and functioning immune system to get and battle off viruses. Our go go go tempo could make it arduous to just accept the actual fact we now have to let our our bodies relaxation and do their factor, however the very best factor we are able to do is hydrate and help the method.

Additionally, fevers are factor. They’re our physique’s pure method of preventing off an infection. They will make us really feel fairly rotten, actually, however letting them run their course can assist us kick infections quicker. If a baby can’t sleep due to being uncomfortable by fever, attempt the moist sock methodology! Have you ever heard of this basic treatment? The remedy is based mostly on the concept that the physique naturally regulates its temperature. By placing on chilly, moist socks, the physique’s warmth is redirected in direction of the ft and away from different areas, which can assist open up congested nasal passages and enhance sleep high quality.

How one can Do the Moist Sock Technique

To do the moist sock methodology, you’ll want a pair of cotton socks and a pair of wool socks. Soak the cotton socks in chilly water, then wring them out and put them within the fridge for 15-20 minutes. Whereas the socks chill, the sick particular person ought to take a sizzling tub or bathe to get good and heat. After exiting the bathtub or bathe, dry off rapidly and placed on heat pajamas. Place the chilly, moist cotton socks on the ft, then cowl the moist socks with the wool socks. Tuck into mattress for the evening.

And naturally, above all, comply with your mother intestine and instinct. You recognize your baby greatest. But when it’s a established order flu and also you’re on the lookout for just a few at residence flu preventing helpers, right here’s my gameplan when the hand washing fails and we get hit with the flu. And when you’ve got a favourite treatment I don’t know, please share it with me within the feedback!

At Dwelling Flu Combating Favorites

Boiron Oscillococcinum

Actually, do your self a favor and purchase this to have available. It’s a little bit pricy, however I include good news- you don’t have to down the entire vial to depend as a dose. As I proceed to study extra about homeopathy, I perceive that the dose is within the frequency, not the quantity taken at one time. So you’ll be able to take a complete vial 3 times a day as instructions learn, however you can too get outcomes with taking much less pellets. My pal who’s tremendous educated within the discipline of homeopathy prompt placing a few of the pellets in water and sipping from time to time, however since I’m nonetheless studying to belief all of it, I break up the doses in half, then progressed to thirds (taking 1/3 a vial each time signs would return, roughly each 2-3 hours). We had big success with this serving to to alleviate signs to permit for higher relaxation and talent to hydrate. I’ll by no means not have these stocked and able to go.

***at all times retailer homeopathic cures in a cool darkish location away from daylight and any sturdy smelling substances (together with important oils)

Melatonin

I perceive folks have combined emotions on this one, and whereas I don’t prefer it for every day dosing, I do really feel it’s a useful instrument for flu. Some research present melatonin can cut back viral entry and replication in addition to lower irritation. It additionally helps my children sleep, which is likely one of the most necessary elements in therapeutic. This melatonin gummy has no maltodextrin and no synthetic colours or flavors.

Unscented Epsom Salt

Epsom salt baths can assist cut back physique aches and muscle soreness. There may be conflicting data on whether or not or not they’ll improve white blood cell depend and pace up toxin removing, however I do know a heat tub with Epsom salt makes my children really feel higher and extra relaxed. Most Epsom salt blends are made with added perfume so I preserve it easy and use unscented Epsom salt, add a pair drops of important oils if I wish to add a scent.

Xlear Nostril Spray

This saline spray not solely helps wash out sinuses and moisturize sinus tissue, it additionally has the added enhance of xylitol which can assist cut back swelling and relieve the annoyance of stuffy noses.

Liposomal Vitamin C

Liposomal vitamin C is a type of vitamin C that’s delivered in liposomes, that are tiny bubbles that mimic cell membranes. The large takeaway although is that Liposomal vitamin C could also be higher absorbed by the physique than common vitamin C. I purchase mine from BodyBio.

Humidifier

As quickly as anybody feels a sniffle I begin operating our massive humidifier in the primary room to extend the humidity. Humid air makes virus particles heavier, inflicting them to fall out of the air quicker which reduces the danger of virus particles being inhaled and illness spreading. Moist air additionally retains our nasal passages and respiratory tracts hydrated, serving to our our bodies battle off viruses and different pathogens.

Vitamin D

I just lately switched to Thorne Vitamin D after my Perform Well being testing in hopes of higher absorption. Vitamin D ranges play a vital position in supporting the immune system and defending towards infections. I don’t complement this for the children, however I do be certain that they get some sunshine even whereas sick if the day permits it. I’ll have them sit on the porch with their face to the solar for quarter-hour.

Open Home windows and Air Purifiers

There may be nothing higher than contemporary air breezing via the home if the climate permits it, however for when it doesn’t, an air air purifier is so useful in eradicating irritants, viruses, and micro organism from the air decreasing the possibilities of it spreading to different fmaily members.

Electrolytes

Hydration is so necessary, particularly when they could not really feel like consuming or consuming a lot within the first day or two of illness. My women wish to sip Spendrifts or tea to make it extra fascinating than plain water, and electrolytes assist, too! Not solely are they scrumptious (I purchase LMNT), however in addition they assist preserve good hydration with the right mix of magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

No Added Sugar or Dairy

Sugar weakens the immune system and dairy can improve mucus manufacturing, so we keep away from these after we’re feeling sick. I don’t push consuming on the children the way in which I do staying hydrated, however as their urge for food returns, my go to meals embody bone broth based mostly hen soup, chilly sliced strawberries or applesauce (as a result of it sounds good to them most frequently), scrambled eggs, and extra hen soup. 😉

Relaxation

Probably the greatest cures really is simply good previous trend relaxation. I can inform when a child feels actually crummy as a result of she gained’t wish to even hearken to a narrative or watch a film and simply needs to nap on and off. I can inform she’s not off course when she will preserve her eyes open for longer and is considering turning on the TV. I wish to set her up on a blanket lined sofa (so it’s simpler to clean) and that is still her designated spot till she’s on the mend.

Different Immune Boosters

I make the most of a few of our different immune boosters to assist preserve the remainder of us properly, like colloidal silver, garlic, my beloved wellness tablets, the chewable model for teenagers, oregano tincture, elderberry, and echinacea relying on signs.

I’m praying the remainder of our family stays properly and that your own home stays wholesome this season, too! Convey on spring, amiright?! 😉