How to Treat and Prevent the Flu at Home: A Mom’s Ultimate Guide

treating flu at home

As a mom who works from home and juggles a million things daily, the last thing I need is for the flu to hit my family. But let’s face it, once the flu bug sneaks in, it can take everyone down like dominoes. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tried-and-true strategies to help treat the flu at home effectively, keep the household functioning (or at least somewhat sane), and even prevent the flu naturally through daily routines.

Recognizing Flu Symptoms Early

The first step to managing the flu is catching it early. Symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, and a persistent cough are usually the tell-tale signs. When I see one of my kids looking extra lethargic or complaining about not feeling well, I’m on high alert.

Creating a Cozy Recovery Zone

When someone in the house is sick, I designate a “sick zone” to keep germs contained as much as possible. Usually, it’s the couch with plenty of cozy blankets, a few pillows, and easy access to tissues, a thermometer, and a trash bin. Products like Puffs Plus Lotion tissues or a reliable digital thermometer, such as the Braun ThermoScan, are always on hand to make things easier.

Preventing Flu Naturally Through Daily Habits

Prevention is better than cure, and I’ve found that simple daily habits can work wonders for strengthening the immune system and keeping the flu at bay. Here are some routines my family follows:

  • Balanced Diet: We focus on meals rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Foods high in vitamin C (like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers) and zinc (like nuts, seeds, and beans) help bolster immunity.
  • Regular Handwashing: Teaching kids to wash their hands properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is non-negotiable in our home.
  • Daily Outdoor Time: Fresh air and sunshine are key. We try to spend at least 30 minutes outdoors each day, even in cooler months, to boost mood and overall health.
  • Probiotics: Yogurt with live cultures or a daily probiotic supplement helps maintain gut health, which is closely linked to the immune system.
  • Hydration: Everyone in the family drinks plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.
  • Quality Sleep: A consistent bedtime routine ensures everyone gets the rest they need to recover and stay healthy. I aim for 8-10 hours for the kids and at least 7 for myself.
  • Exercise: Even light activities like a family walk or yoga help keep our immune systems strong.
  • Elderberry Syrup: As part of our morning routine during flu season, I give my kids a spoonful of Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup, known for its antiviral properties.

Staying Hydrated

One of the biggest battles with the flu is dehydration, especially with fever and loss of appetite. I keep a rotation of fluids going: water, herbal teas (like chamomile or peppermint), and homemade soups. When the kids are too tired to drink plain water, I give them Pedialyte popsicles or diluted juice to keep their fluid intake up. Electrolyte drinks like Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier or Gatorade Zero are another lifesaver for adults and kids alike.

Nutrient-Packed Comfort Foods

When I feel a cold or flu coming on, my go-to remedy is chicken soup. It’s not just an old wives’ tale—research shows it can actually help reduce inflammation and ease congestion. I load it up with garlic, ginger, and a mix of veggies for an extra immune boost. To make things quicker, I sometimes use pre-made organic bone broth from brands like Kettle & Fire, which is packed with nutrients. If the kids are picky, plain crackers or toast sometimes do the trick.

Fever Management

For fevers, I alternate between using acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil) after consulting with my pediatrician. Fever-reducing products like FeverAll Suppositories are helpful for younger children. I also encourage everyone to rest as much as possible. Lukewarm baths can help bring down a high fever, and they’re soothing when someone’s feeling particularly miserable.

Steam and Humidifiers

treating flu at home

Dry air can make flu symptoms like coughing and congestion so much worse. I use a evaporative humidifier like the SwitchBot Smart Evaporative Humidifiers to keep the air moist. For immediate relief, I’ll set up a steam session by running hot water in the bathroom and having the kids sit nearby (always supervised, of course) to breathe in the steam. Vicks VapoRub and their VapoSteam additive are also fantastic for helping with congestion.

Keeping the Germs at Bay

Flu germs spread fast, so I’m vigilant about cleaning. I wipe down frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls with disinfectant wipes such as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes or Lysol Spray. Everyone’s reminded to wash their hands regularly—even my youngest knows the 20-second rule by heart. And I make sure we all have our own cups, utensils, and towels to prevent cross-contamination.

The Importance of Rest

This one’s tough, especially for kids who feel “better” after medicine kicks in. But I’ve found that rest is non-negotiable. I limit screen time (unless it’s a movie to keep them still) and encourage quiet activities like reading or coloring. Products like Zarbee’s Children’s Sleep with Melatonin can be helpful for restless nights.

Immune-Boosting Supplements

Prevention and recovery often go hand in hand. I keep immune-boosting products stocked, like Emergen-C, Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup, and Nature’s Way Vitamin C Gummies. For the kids, I like using Little Remedies Honey Sore Throat Pops and Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Vitamin D Drops to help support their immune systems.

Knowing When to Seek Help

Most flu cases can be managed at home, but it’s important to know the red flags. If a fever lasts more than a few days, breathing becomes difficult, or there are signs of dehydration (like very little urine output), I don’t hesitate to call the doctor. For babies and toddlers, I’m even more cautious.

Staying Prepared

After dealing with the flu more times than I can count, I’ve learned to keep a flu survival kit stocked at all times. It includes:

  • Thermometers (like Braun or Vicks brands)
  • Fever-reducing medicine (Tylenol, Advil, or FeverAll)
  • Tissues (Puffs Plus Lotion or Kleenex)
  • Electrolyte drinks (Liquid I.V. or Pedialyte)
  • Herbal teas (like Traditional Medicinals or Celestial Seasonings)
  • Cleaning wipes and disinfectant spray (Clorox or Lysol)

Having these on hand means I’m not scrambling to make a pharmacy run when someone’s already down for the count.

Final Thoughts

The flu is never fun, but with a bit of preparation and care, it’s manageable. By incorporating natural flu prevention into our daily routine, I’ve noticed fewer sick days and quicker recoveries when illness does strike. Remember, mom, you’re doing an amazing job—even when you’re running on fumes and a prayer. Take care of yourself too because if mom goes down, the whole ship sinks. A cup of hot tea and a quiet moment to breathe can do wonders.

Here’s to a healthy season and, when the flu does strike, a speedy recovery for everyone!