Sooooo, if you read the only other post on this site, you saw that I had high hopes for the weekend a couple of weekends back. Then, blamo, I got bronchitis and nothing happened, except I did get the shelf on the bathroom counter painted – woohoo!
Since I’ve been battling this junk and I know that everyone else in the world is too, I thought I’d offer up some tried and true tips for germ containment and cold-suffering.
Germ Containment
During the time my four kids were growing up, we certainly had our share of germs that ran through the whole house. What fun that is, right? BUT, there are some things you can do to at least keep everyone from reinfecting themselves.
Doorknobs & Switch Plates
Take your favorite disinfectant (which can be as basic as some white vinegar with water in a spray bottle) and a clean sponge or cloth and wipe down all of your doorknobs and switch plates. Pay particular attention to places like bathrooms and bedrooms, where we spend most of our time when we’re sick.
While you’re at it, give regular attention to the toilet handle (and the toilet itself depending on the virus you’re battling).
Tissue Control
For me, this has been a time of copious amounts of tissues that nobody (including me) wants or needs to handle again. My daughter has a great remedy for this. She keeps an empty tissue box next to the full one, for all of the ‘used’ tissues. This way, all you have to do is toss the box when it’s full, rather than someone else handling the snot-fest left behind.
Blankets & Bedding
What do you do when you’ve got a fever and chills? Snuggle up under your favorite blanket, right? Well, that favorite blanket is a festival of germs, so give it a run through the washer – hot water if the blanket can tolerate it.
Also, once you know folks are on the road to recovery, give the bedding, including pillows and mattress pad, a good washing. Use hot water as much as everything will tolerate it.
Favorite Items
Next, you want to use your sanitizing cleaner to wipe down favorite toys and other items. Don’t forget things like remote controls, laptop keyboards (be careful with your spraying there!) and cell phones.
Toys that can be soaked in hot water should be, and anything that can get tossed in the washing machine should be washed. If your only option is to wipe with a damp cloth, just spray it off with your sanitizer first.
Cold/Flu Suffering
There are many ‘herbal’ remedies that are available, and I am a fan of not taking drugs unless I absolutely have to, but I hit this bug of mine with all barrels. One of the things that alleviated my initial sinus pressure/headache was to drink a ‘tea’ of ginger root, turmeric root, honey and a dash of lemon in hot water. I keep both ginger root and turmeric root on hand. Just take about a 1″ hunk of each and cut into smaller pieces, then add the hot water, honey and lemon to your taste.
I also used Zicam, which I believe does help. I prefer the nasal spray, which helps to clear things up too. I’m not very good at taking vitamins, but Vitamin C is said to be helpful as well.
I have eucalyptus oil that I dropped onto a washcloth while I was soaking in the tub – I then used the washcloth to lay over my face (be careful not to get the oil in your eyes). It helped with the congestion. You can also rub a small amount of this oil on the soles of your feet – I didn’t try this but I’ve heard it helps, especially kids. Put socks on and do it at night for a sleep help.
My cough has been the biggest nuisance, and this trick goes back in my family probably 40+ years. Take an ice pack (bag of frozen veggies, whatever) and place it so that when you lie down, it is at the base of your skull. Be sure to wrap it in a towel first. Give this a few minutes and it will make any cough history.
My son had terrible ear aches as a child, and this one is still one of his favorites (he’s 29). Take a DASH of pepper and a piece of a cotton ball. I just shook the pepper out on the counter then dabbed a little up with a small piece of cotton ball. Gently place it just inside the ear. The pepper will generate warmth and soothe the ear ache.
I’d love for you to share your remedies – but that would imply that I have readers 🙂
Maybe some day folks will track back through and see it….take care!
I Hate Folding Sheets 