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You are here: Home / Finds / Canadian Giveaways / Tips on How to Survive a Cold {Plus GIVEAWAY}

Tips on How to Survive a Cold {Plus GIVEAWAY}

April 6, 2016 by Deanna Tousignant 109 Comments

7 Tips for surviving (or even possibly dodging) a nasty cold...

 

“I’m going to stop at Shopper’s on the way home, do you need me to grab anything?” My spidey-sense went off. I knew something was up as soon as my husband told me he was going to stop at Shopper’s on his way home from work.

See, he has a compromised immune system. It’s one of the many not so lovely side effects of living with colitis, and it means that he catches everything that goes around, and I do mean everything. If one of the kids comes home with a sniffle, hubby is pretty much guaranteed to catch it. If one of his co-workers has a nasty bout of the flu, it is pretty much inevitable that hubby will bring it home within the next few days. Not only does he catch every passing germ or virus, but he also tends to come down with it harder than anyone else in the household.

So when he tells me he’s stopping off at the pharmacy on his way home from work, well it often means he’s stocking up on Puffs or cold meds because he feels something coming on. As his next text message popped up I read, “Oh and can you check the cabinet and see if we’re out of NyQuil?” Sigh. Yep. Just as I thought. Time for Hubby Has a Cold, the 2016 edition, episode 9.

The unending rounds of colds and coughs making their way through our household can be depressing. It feels like as soon as we get over one bout, somebody brings something new home. Between the finger sucking hair eating germ collecting kindergartener and the immunosuppressed husband, I sometimes feel like we just can’t catch a break.

 

If like me you feel like your family is caught in a never ending cycle of sickness and ick, you may want to keep these guidelines for surviving cold and flu season in mind:

Make taking time for yourself a priority.
Saying no to stress can keep your immune system strong. Find time to do whatever refuels your batteries, and always make getting a good night’s rest a top priority. (Seriously. This is important.You need sleep and not just when you’re sick).

Avoid picking up germs at work.
Be wary of sinks, office kitchen tools, and especially doorknobs.  Wash your hands frequently and keep some antibacterial gel on hand for those times when you can’t run off to the restroom.

Know the signs.
Not many people realize they’re most contagious in the first 24 hours of symptoms. If you find yourself developing a cough or sore throat, a runny nose, headache or body aches and chills or general fatigue it might be a good idea to isolate yourself as much as possible from the rest of your family. When it comes to work, if you’re experiencing two or more of these symptoms, do your best to stay at home and enjoy some downtime (Hello Netflix!).

Double up on pillows.
Place an extra pillow on your mattress to elevate  your upper body. This helps blood flow away from your head and will reduce the inflammation of your air passage. It can also be great for reducing body aches.

Tea? Yes, please.
Drinking herbal teas like chamomile, mint, or passionflower can help you relax while also helping to keep you hydrated. Personally I find hot beverages soothing to a sore throat, particularly when you add a dollop of honey.

Sweat it out.
Steam and humidity can help drain your sinuses and relieve some of the sinus pressure and stuffiness. I know some people go in for the whole bowl of steamy water and a towel thing, but personally I find nothing beats a piping hot shower. (Helpful tip: warm your towel or bathrobe up with a quick spin in the dryer, so you don’t feel chilled when you get out)

Try that Vicks on your feet thing.
If you are still all stuffed up and can’t breath try putting Vicks Vaporub on your feet. I know, I know, it sounds silly, but seriously, I find it works.

The people at Vick’s suggest that you treat all your symptoms simultaneously by using NyQuil and DayQuil liquid or caplets:

“Look for a medication that can treat the toughest symptoms while also helping you rest. DayQuil COMPLETE and NyQuil COMPLETE provide all in one relief for your toughest cold and flu symptoms so you can start seizing the rest of your day, and get the rest you so desperately need at night.”

What other tips would you add to the list? What do you find works best when you’re down and out with a nasty cold bug?


COUPON ALERT
Don’t forget to visit www.pgeveryday.ca for coupons you can use to save on Vicks brand products.
EDIT: The giveaway attached to this post has now ended. Julie F. of Oakville was the lucky winner of the Vick’s Combat the Cold prize pack.

 

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Filed Under: Canadian Giveaways, Finds, Mom Life, Tips, Tricks & Hacks Tagged With: #PGmom, cold and flu, giveaway, health, When We Are Sick

Comments

  1. Andrea Amy says

    April 6, 2016 at 6:14 am

    We try to eat right, including lots of fresh produce even over the winter. We dress for the weather, in layers. And when we do get sick, we use vicks vaporub.

    Reply
  2. Courtney says

    April 6, 2016 at 11:12 am

    Lots of handwashing and a ton of extra vitamin c once I feel it coming on!

    Reply
  3. israel y says

    April 6, 2016 at 11:32 am

    chicken soup and rest is how I deal with a bad cold

    Reply
  4. Carol Denny says

    April 6, 2016 at 11:40 am

    Lots of handwashing and vitamins.

    Reply
  5. Jamie hall says

    April 6, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    Lots of handwashing and a humidifier

    Reply
  6. Garnet Leib says

    April 6, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    Eat Healthy, get a flu shot in fall, take natural supplements and wash hands regularly and often

    Reply
  7. Erika Letson says

    April 6, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    Mine is just sleep! I find that the thing that helps me the most is plenty of rest- if I can get it!

    Reply
  8. Nicole B says

    April 6, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    Due to my insane kids I don't get alot of great sleep so I fortify with vitamins and washing hands very frequently!

    Reply
  9. Julie F says

    April 6, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    I take a daily multi vitamin and wash my hands often!

    Reply
  10. Ira says

    April 6, 2016 at 2:36 pm

    My life saver is Oregano Oil.

    Reply
  11. elaing8 says

    April 6, 2016 at 2:48 pm

    Washing hands a lot and staying away from others that have a cold

    Reply
  12. Danielle says

    April 6, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    Wash your hands frequently

    Reply
  13. lori b says

    April 6, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    sanitize and rest

    Reply
  14. glogirl3 says

    April 6, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    My tip is to make sure you are getting enough rest each night. It is one of the ways to prevent yourself from getting a cold (I read this in a book about colds!).

    Reply
  15. Janet M says

    April 6, 2016 at 5:14 pm

    Wash hands and eat well are my best tips.

    Reply
  16. butterflyamyc says

    April 6, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    washing hands often

    Reply
  17. kathy downey says

    April 6, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    I find eating healthy,exercise and proper rest and washing your hands often helps protect me from colds/flu,s

    Reply
  18. ginette4 says

    April 6, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    I stay away from sick people, wash my hands often and get plenty of sleep

    Reply
  19. Debbie White Beattie says

    April 6, 2016 at 9:35 pm

    To avoid getting sick I take a multi vitamin daily, get a flu shot, eat lots of vegetables and wash my hands a lot to avoid germs.

    Reply
  20. lyndac1968 says

    April 6, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    I get my flu shot and try to avoid anyone that is sick!!

    Reply
  21. Tammy Dalley says

    April 7, 2016 at 1:23 am

    hand washing, drink lots of water and take vitamins daily

    Reply
  22. Susan T. says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:07 am

    I wash my hands a lot, avoid sick people and try to eat a healthy diet. I've just started juicing and I think that will help get my immunity up too!

    Reply
  23. Fan R @TeddyOutReady says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:08 am

    Take lots of juices and teas, more fresh air inside if possible.
    My recent post Disney's The Jungle Book Advance Screening Passes Giveaway #Ottawa #Vancouver #Edmonton #Winnipeg

    Reply
  24. Rosanne Robinson says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:12 am

    Wash & sanitize hands, hydrate, take vitamin C & D daily, use Vicks vapourizer for dry air, & avoid sick people,

    Reply
  25. Silvia D says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:30 am

    i try to avoid people and places that germs dwell.. lots of hand washing, keep up with my vitamins and lots of fluids

    Reply
  26. Wendy hutton says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:30 am

    I take vitamins and drink lots of juices and fluids and keep a cool mist vaporizer going all the time

    Reply
  27. Aarti M says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:36 am

    Drink water often throughout the day, eat a lot vegetables and wash your hands often to help avoid getting a cold.

    Reply
  28. Carole Dube says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:49 am

    Loys of hand washing, chicken soup and sleep

    Reply
  29. edmontonjb says

    April 7, 2016 at 4:03 am

    I make sure to wipe all door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes to try to avoid the cold. When I inevitably get one, I find lots of sleep helps get rid of it quickly.

    ~Jonnie

    Reply
  30. Donna L. says

    April 7, 2016 at 4:30 am

    Lots of handwashing and staying away from sick people.

    Reply
  31. Dianne says

    April 7, 2016 at 5:20 am

    I wash my hands often, drink fluids and try to avoid anyone who is coughing or sneezing…especially at the doctor's office.

    Reply
  32. Doris Calvert says

    April 7, 2016 at 6:15 am

    Wash your hands a lot, stay away from large crowds, extra vitamin D and C

    Reply
  33. Jennifer P. says

    April 7, 2016 at 6:16 am

    Avoidance – lots of handwashing, and not sharing drinks etc to help stop the spread of germs. Surviving – cold medicine, vicks vaporub, neilmed sinus rinse and lots of sleep.

    Reply
  34. missbobloblaw says

    April 7, 2016 at 6:21 am

    I drink lots of water & get lots of sleep to try and shake a cold when I get one.

    Reply
  35. Tina L. says

    April 7, 2016 at 6:42 am

    wash hands frequently, drinks lots of water and get a good night sleep

    Reply
  36. DebP says

    April 7, 2016 at 10:01 am

    Wash hands often, and keep them away from your face. Hot toddies and sleep will help to survive once you catch something.

    Reply
  37. Pam says

    April 7, 2016 at 11:07 am

    I am a big fan of nettle tea and onesie pajamas.

    Reply
  38. Brenda Penton says

    April 7, 2016 at 11:20 am

    Staying active. Since I started incorporating fitness into my life, I went from having 3 or more colds a year to maybe 1 and the severity has been drastically reduced.

    Reply
  39. Anu Chopra says

    April 7, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    Lots of sleep and warm liquids while having a cold tends to help me!

    Reply
  40. Gizele says

    April 7, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    Try to avoid colds by avoiding sick people. Lots of sleep helps me get better quicker.

    Reply
  41. Florence C says

    April 7, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    Eating healthy, lots of homemade chicken soup. Lots of rest, vitamins and lots of liquids.

    Reply
  42. LisaM says

    April 7, 2016 at 2:49 pm

    Lots of handwashing! And lots of rest

    Reply
  43. Jody D says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:03 pm

    A lot of it is diet, keeping up with veggies and fruits in winter to boost immunity

    Reply
  44. BlessedTA says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:36 pm

    lot of rest

    Reply
  45. tracy k says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    eating oranges and drinking lots of water

    Reply
  46. Laurie P says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:55 pm

    we don't get sick very often over here……but we do a ton of hand washing and disinfecting of toys, devices, doorknobs, strollers/carseats.

    Reply
  47. angela marriott says

    April 7, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    My best tip is to drink lots of water and get outside for some fresh air and exercise.

    Reply
  48. jan says

    April 7, 2016 at 5:23 pm

    I really think that lots of hand washing and good eating helps

    Reply
  49. @KellyLee905 says

    April 7, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    Drown a cold (fluids) and starve a flu (no food) – my grandmother said that and its true!

    Reply
  50. ivy says

    April 7, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    lots of hand washing, avoid touching your eyes when out in public, drink lots of lemon water

    Reply
  51. Cassie Fancy says

    April 7, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    Wash your hands , plenty of water fruits and veggies . Have a good sleep schedule

    Reply
  52. Dianne G. says

    April 7, 2016 at 6:54 pm

    Washing your hands often, avoiding sick people and eating healthy all help a person avoid getting colds and flu. If you do get sick, keep hydrated and get lots of sleep to get better.

    Reply
  53. wobbless13 says

    April 7, 2016 at 7:06 pm

    drink lots of water and take vitamin Cs

    Reply
  54. millerkrazy says

    April 7, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    I like to drinnk warm liquids like hot toddies packed with goodies like vitamin C, honey, ginger, lemon, & some whiskey!

    Reply
  55. prairiebelle says

    April 7, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    I try to get plenty of rest and I take multi vitamins

    Reply
  56. Jenness M says

    April 7, 2016 at 11:31 pm

    I avoid touching door handles and use lots of antibacterial gel.

    Reply
  57. Karla Sceviour says

    April 8, 2016 at 1:24 am

    drink plenty of orange juice and rest up when you are feeling sick!

    Reply
  58. Jenny says

    April 8, 2016 at 1:29 am

    Lots of handwashing

    Reply
  59. Rebby says

    April 8, 2016 at 3:11 am

    I take vitamins daily and stay hydrated to avoid a cold/flu!

    Reply
  60. Josh S says

    April 8, 2016 at 3:59 am

    I wash my hands frequently and take vitamins.

    Reply
  61. binabug says

    April 8, 2016 at 5:02 am

    Dress for the weather, esp this crazy -11 one day, plus 15 the next.

    Reply
  62. Darlene Schuller says

    April 8, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    I take Zinc soon as I feel it coming on.

    Reply
  63. Taylor Closet says

    April 8, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    I drink herbal tea and take vitamins.

    Reply
  64. Amy Heffernan says

    April 8, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    Lots of vitamin C! I like the candy drops!

    Reply
  65. BobbiJo Pentney says

    April 9, 2016 at 6:13 pm

    Get lots of rest and some TLC

    Reply
  66. 409cope says

    April 9, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    I load up on vitamin C and drink plenty of water during cold and flu season.

    Reply
  67. Juliee Fitze says

    April 9, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    I double up on Vit D to fight off colds.

    Reply
  68. Yuen C says

    April 10, 2016 at 3:59 am

    I get more sleep!

    Reply
  69. 155gardens says

    April 10, 2016 at 4:26 am

    Vitamin c and sleep!

    Reply
  70. Seham M says

    April 10, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    ginger,honey and lemon tea

    Reply
  71. Tracy D says

    April 10, 2016 at 2:19 pm

    Curling up with a blanket and Netflix. What did we do without Netflix?

    Reply
  72. Erica Seaman says

    April 10, 2016 at 3:36 pm

    I take 2 cinnamon capsules daily.

    Reply
  73. Laurie BolducCadieux says

    April 10, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    My best tip for dodging and surviving the cold and flu is to wash hands frequently and eat healthy. Drink lots of fluids if you are sick and get plenty of rest.

    Reply
  74. Nate Fuller says

    April 10, 2016 at 11:55 pm

    Loads of liquids, vitamin c and a lot of rest! As soon as you feel the sickness coming on you do these!

    Reply
  75. About Shannon says

    April 11, 2016 at 1:31 am

    as soon as I feel a little off I reach for the buckleys. It scares it away almost instantly

    Reply
  76. Sandra F says

    April 11, 2016 at 2:26 am

    Eats fruits and vegetables and wash hands often.

    Reply
  77. Heather S says

    April 11, 2016 at 3:09 am

    I take pic of oregano if I feel a cold coming on.

    Reply
  78. Heather S says

    April 11, 2016 at 3:10 am

    Should say oil of oregano 🙂

    Reply
  79. sojeles says

    April 11, 2016 at 3:33 am

    We make sure we get lots of sleep, when you're tired your immune system is weaker. Wash our hands and drink lots of water.

    Reply
  80. Sherry K says

    April 11, 2016 at 8:31 am

    I think hand washing makes all the difference.

    Reply
  81. darwinchau says

    April 11, 2016 at 3:02 pm

    Get enough sleep and keep taking those vitamins every day!

    Reply
  82. Julie Bolduc says

    April 11, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    We wash our hands all the time and take vitamins

    Reply
  83. Joni W says

    April 11, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    Don't go outside without a jacket. Steer clear of those with a cold. drink/eat Vitamin C

    Reply
  84. trishkaqueen says

    April 11, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    Slathering the soles of my feet in vicks and wearing socks to bed breaks it up pronto!

    Reply
  85. Kristine Ewald says

    April 11, 2016 at 8:07 pm

    I eat tons of garlic or sleep sleep sleep

    Reply
  86. Sherry moffitt says

    April 11, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    Lists of hand washing, fluids and vitamin C.

    Reply
  87. Bailey Dexter says

    April 11, 2016 at 10:40 pm

    A must have for our family is home made chicken soup as well as vitamins when any one has the flu!

    Reply
  88. Caroline says

    April 12, 2016 at 2:19 am

    We carry hand sanitizer around wherever we go. Drink plenty of water and lots of vitamin C.

    Reply
  89. hmrcarlson says

    April 12, 2016 at 2:48 am

    Lots of Vitamin C, chicken soup, rest and Vick's VapoRub.

    Reply
  90. Jolie says

    April 12, 2016 at 3:01 am

    Eating healthy, sleeping enough, staying hydrated and wash hands like crazy.

    Reply
  91. Maria says

    April 12, 2016 at 3:09 am

    Hand washing and eating healthier, taking vitamins !

    Reply
  92. l p says

    April 12, 2016 at 3:32 am

    wash hands, hydration, rest, reduce stress whenever possible. thanks

    Reply
  93. Maritess says

    April 12, 2016 at 5:07 am

    Washing hands frequently and should you get the cough – cough on your elbow not your hands to lessen the possibility of it spreading.

    Reply
  94. Lori Sexton says

    April 12, 2016 at 9:44 am

    Wash my hands often

    Reply
  95. jmitro says

    April 12, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    Expecting my 2nd little bundle of joy any day now so it was a long hard winter for me. Having a 16 month at him we both came down with a nasty cold and had a hard time finding ways to get comfortable and stay healthy. We both tried to get lots of rest, wash hands frequently, stay away from other sick people and enjoyed some of Nana's homemade chicken soup! My Mom told me about the Vicks on the feet thing and I was sceptical at first but I have to admit it really worked well! Thank you for an awesome giveaway! Good luck all!

    Reply
  96. nicolthepickle says

    April 12, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    The best thing you can do is get lots of rest.

    Reply
  97. binabug says

    April 12, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    https://twitter.com/jackalJarrod/status/719898930… the ferret was on the keyboard helping me so the last days twitter entry please

    Reply
  98. joy says

    April 12, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    i have a cold right now – i guess i don't know how to dodge them. Once they are in the house, there is no getting around it. Getting lots of rest, and drinking lots of water are my remedies for a cold. It will eventually run its course.

    Reply
  99. Kim K says

    April 12, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    I hand wash frequently and use hand sanitizer when I cannot wash traditionally

    Reply
  100. Andrea says

    April 13, 2016 at 12:31 am

    I eat healthy and I wash my hands frequently!

    Reply
  101. Stephanie says

    April 13, 2016 at 12:38 am

    Take vitamins, eat healthy, drink lots of water, and frequent handwashing!

    Reply
  102. Amie says

    April 13, 2016 at 6:07 am

    keep them hands washed up and avoid putting them near your eyes and mouths !

    Reply
  103. emv says

    April 13, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    have plenty of fluids and eat healthy! also dressing appropriately for the weather

    Reply
  104. Jen says

    April 13, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    Lots of ginger and garlic!

    Reply
  105. Monique L.S. says

    April 13, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    I do the usual – try to get lots of rest, wash hands often and stay hydrated.

    Reply
  106. Rhonda W G. says

    April 13, 2016 at 10:04 pm

    I am a firm believer in taking Oregano oil during cold/flu season. I think it helps prevent as well as shorten sickness for me.

    Reply
  107. @msmarielyn says

    April 13, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    getting lots of sleep and taking a multi-vitamin seems to help me

    Reply
  108. Suzi says

    April 14, 2016 at 2:51 am

    Lots of sleep and vitamin C

    Reply
  109. Wanda Tracey says

    November 3, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    I tweeted for the giveaway: https://twitter.com/wandaTracey/status/926538132794826753
    I love all the great tips and must try putting Vicks on my feet I do drink plenty of fluids and love drinking lemon infused water.

    Reply

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