It’s that special time of year again when almost everyone you know (including yourself) comes down with a cold, COVID or the flu at some point. And although now there is one FDA-approved test to tell you if you have COVID or the flu, you are still dealing with the symptoms. We’re talking the dreaded sore throat, nasal congestion, chills, fever, cough and more.
To help you get through this season, CNET’s wellness editors have put together our cold and flu season hacks that we use to avoid illness at all costs. In addition to our tips, we’ve included all our preferred products and links to additional information on why these hacks might work.
Detox tea
From talking refrigerators to iPhones, our experts are here to help you make the world a little less complicated.
“Whenever I feel a cold coming on, I always make this detox tea drink. The recipe contains pure cranberry juicea tea of lemon and organic dandelion. I take a gallon glass or a very large mason jar and fill it with hot water. Then I put two dandelion tea bags for 10 to 15 minutes. Then I add the juice of one lemon and half a cup of pure cranberry juice. This drink is very bitter, so I suggest adding honey.
In addition to three healthy meals during the day, I try to eat as many tea drinks as possible. It really helps to flush it all out and keep me hydrated. Plus, drinking it while it’s warm soothes my throat. Pure cranberry juice And dandelion tea are rich in antioxidants and lemons contain vitamin C.” – Caroline Igo, sleep editor
From talking refrigerators to iPhones, our experts are here to help you make the world a little less complicated.
Zinc
“During cold and flu season, I try to take it zinc since some regularly Studies show it can shorten the duration of a cold with a day or two. That argument is still up for debate, but I have found that taking it keeps me healthy during cold and flu season. I also focus on maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants support my immune systemso it could be a combination of things.” – Giselle Castro-Sloboda, wellness writer
Echinacea
“I’ll take echinacea supplements when I’m sick because of the (seemingly mixed and unclear evidence) that it can help you feel better faster and possibly some immune-boosting properties.” – Jessica Rendall, wellness writer
Turmeric
“I like turmeric lattes and teas when I’m not feeling well. Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is said to benefit those dealing with allergies and infections. It is also connected to relieve anxietysomething I especially feel when I am sick. Anyway, hot drinks have been known to do this relieve the symptoms of flu and coldsand I definitely feel these benefits with my favorite turmeric drinks.
Although I have tried making my own turmeric latte, I prefer the taste of it Golden SuperLatte from Clevr Blends, including probiotics, mushrooms and adaptogens. For a cheaper option I also like Yogi Tea’s Honey Chai Turmeric Vitality Tea with a little added honey (and sometimes lemon). Keep in mind that both drinks contain black pepper, which can increase your body’s ability to use curcumin, the beneficial compound from turmeric.” – Anna Gragert, wellness editor
Elderberry
‘Even though more research is needed to fully understand it all effects of elderberry in treating or preventing colds or the flu, this is one supplement which you can always find in my medicine cabinet. I take it daily and have noticed that I get less sick than when I didn’t take it. I’ve tried it in all its forms: gummies, syrup, tablets and capsules. The gummies are definitely the tastiest, but they often contain a lot of added sugar, so I just stick to the capsules. This, combined with a good night’s sleep, exercise, and washing your hands regularly, are my favorite things to do during cold and flu season.” – Nasha Addarich Martínez, Editor-in-Chief
Focus on throat care with tea, honey and more
“When I have a cold, I like to brew fresh ginger tea and add honey to it. For sore and scratchy throat, I gargle with salt and warm waterbut I also rub my throat with one mixture of warmed 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
Hot water, honey, apple cider vinegar and warm toddies
“When I get sick in the winter, it’s usually with a sore throat or strep. Certain coughs sometimes seem to worsen my sore throat and pain once the short, temporary relief they provide wears off. Instead, I’ve turned to hot drinks with honey ( preferably honey purchased locally). One concoction I consume during the day is simple: hot water, honey and a small amount apple cider vinegar The other is a hot toddy in the evening, usually a few hours before bed.
Variations of hot toddies have been used as a remedy for colds and coughs hundreds of years. The recipe usually consists of hot water, whiskey, honey and lemon, often garnished with a cinnamon stick. Of course, adding whiskey is completely optional, and even without whiskey you will still feel the soothing benefits of this drink. In addition to washing my hands frequently, I spend time outside as often as possible in the winter. Getting fresh air and sunlight – even during the colder months – seems to help boost my immune system (and my mood).” – Aly Lopez, sleep writer
Optimize your sleep
‘Sleeping is one essential part of recovery from the flu. That said, it can be very difficult to sleep when you’re sick, especially if you have a runny nose or persistent cough. To counteract this, I often have sleep propped up when I’m sick. It may sound a bit crazy, but it ensures that I can breathe and get enough sleep so that my body can rest and recover as quickly as possible. There are special pillows for this, although I tend to just pile on what I have to save some money.” – Taylor Leamey, sleep writer
VapoRub
“For congestion and cough I rely on Vicks VapoRub and rub some on my chest (note that you should not place it in or around your nostrils). It’s a temporary solution that helps clear my sinuses quickly. And now that I’m dealing with a little one, I’ve found that steam baths help with a stuffy nose, followed by clearing it out with a nasal aspirator.” – Giselle Castro-Sloboda, wellness writer
Steam
“Every time I get sick, it tends to cause congestion in my upper airways. To help clear my sinuses and make it easier to blow my nose, my favorite thing to do is take a steamy shower since Steam inhalation has been shown to relieve the symptoms of the common cold. To prevent hot water from burning my skin, I often let the shower head run away from my body for a few minutes while I take deep breaths to inhale the steam.” – Anna Gragert, wellness editor
Pay attention to your body’s signals
“Over time, I’ve learned that when my body is exhausted and may be struggling, such as fighting an infection or illness, the skin on my back becomes extra sensitive. This can also cause my temperature to rise.” be slightly elevated from my baseline, even though it’s not high enough to actually count as a fever. This is my cue to take it easy, eat extra fruits and veggies, and go to bed early to give my immune system the best chance to fight successfully. of anything. I recognize that not everyone will have this specifically, but I think it’s helpful to pay attention to your own body’s signs that you’re getting sick and adjust accordingly.” – Jessica Rendall, wellness writer