The best way to not get sick from colds and flu? WASH YOUR HANDS. It may not stop you from getting sick but it will help. When you touch anything don’t touch your face. In nursing, some of us “seasoned” nurses use the 3 foot rule. Now it’s cold the 6 foot rule. Most colds and flu are heavier than true airborne pathogen. What does that mean? It means the pathogens can hang in the air for a little bit but then will fall with gravity. The 3 foot rule is a basic distance a droplet pathogen will go. Now it does not mean the pathogen can’t go further. When you cough and sneeze, the pathogen most likely will go further. I know my parents taught me to cover my mouth when coughing or sneezing. the final step, WASH my hands. In nursing school we were taught to cough or sneeze into the elbow area of our clothes since there is less change we will touch the area. The pathogen will fall to some surface. Touching is a great way to spread it. Then don’t wash your hands. The pathogen goes even further!
Eat a healthy diet and try to get some sleep. I know it is hard in this day and age. Life isn’t simple like it used to be. We can take some moments and make them simple again.
In healthcare, the premise is if you have symptoms, your immune system is fighting illness. You want your immune system balanced. Be wary of overdoing any boosting. Too much can also be a bad thing.
Here is a recipe I use every winter. I don’t like the taste of alcohol in most of the syrups, so I use honey, also great for your immune system!
Included in the kit are:
3 teaspoon allspice
1 cup dried elderberries
1/4 cup dried echinacea
1/2 cup rose hips
2 tablespoon ginger
Other ingredients not included in kit:
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Add 1 cup raw or unfiltered honey
Add 4 cups water.
Simmer in a saucepan for about 45 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated half. If you want it thicker let it simmer longer. Strain the decoction (mixture) gently pressing the liquid into a jar or mixing bowl. Keep the liquid. Wait until it’s just above room temperature. Add 1 cup raw or unfiltered honey. Refrigerate the syrup. Take it up to 6 weeks then take a break for a week or two. I take a tablespoon daily. Some recipes will recommend you take more.
There are many recipes out there. Find one you like and try it. The basic rule I use is make sure to add herbs which help your immune system.
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