But First, A Little Courtesy, Please.
I don’t participate in judgment or the political weaponization of COVID, so please remain courteous as you read this post. If you feel like a rant, then please go read another article that brings you joy. I’m also including some handy cleaning videos from my YouTube friends. Check them out below & let them know that Sparkle by Monica sent you. 💖
First Time Having COVID
My husband has had his first known bout with COVID this week and is thankfully starting to feel better! Sunday will be day 7 (when he first began showing symptoms). 🤒 I plan to continue keeping my distance and masking for a few more days while taking care of him. He was feeling pitiful and so weak when this first hit him, so I was initially terrified. He’s such a tough person and rarely ever gets sick, so to see him ill like this has been very worrying. I am glad that he is starting to feel normal. I hope he doesn’t experience the long COVID that others have dealt with though.
I’ve not caught it yet and am grateful for that. I’ve been worried for us both, but it’s gone much better than I’d feared. (We have not gotten this latest round of boosters this year, so I’ve been extremely nervous and cautious while he’s been sick).
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The information presented here is merely for educational purposes and not intended to replace medical advice. It is your responsibility to do your own research, consult with your doctor, and make safe decisions.
Helpful Items to Combat Potentially Contagious Sickness
I’ve been prepped for COVID since this virus became known over 4 years ago. I thought I’d share a list of some helpful items to have available if you are sick, whether you’ve recently tested positive for COVID or are dealing with the cold/flu season (below are some of my Amazon affiliate links):
Products for Relief from Various Colds/ Respiratory Illnesses
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin)
- Anti-Viral Kleenex 🤧
- Bone broth (I like this kind best: Turmeric/Ginger/Lemongrass) or chicken noodle soup
- COVID tests
- You can still get up to 4 free tests via USPS.
- N95 Mask Project is now shut down, but still offers links to suppliers.
- Check extended expiration dates for testing inventory at home
- Cough syrup containing dextromethorphan
- Emergen-C Vitamin C Powder with Antioxidants
- Essential oils & herbs (immune support and DIY cleaning)
- Diffuser for oils used in aromatherapy
- My favs: Breathe Blend, Radha Beauty Top 8 Set, Holiday Set, Stress Relief Blend
- Avoid toxicity reactions in small children or animals (particularly cats)
- Immune suggestions
- Eucalyptus, Elderberry, Ginger, Lemon, Marshmallow Root, Mullein, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Rosemary, Yarrow
- Cleaning suggestions
- Chamomile, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Thyme
- Hand sanitizer
- Heating pad (helps with body aches, lessens chills during fever, loosening up phlegm in lungs)
- Herbal tea
- Traditional Medicinals: Breathe-Easy, Gypsy Cold Care, Throat Coat
- Whispering Willow Farms: Respiratory Rescue Tea (TikTok Shop)
- Honey (Use 1 tbsp. local honey daily for allergies)
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- antibacterial agent
- Humidifier (aids in dry cough scenario during winter or as a common symptom during COVID)
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Lemons, fresh (great in herbal teas, also have antibacterial & antifungal properties)
- Neti pot or neti rinse bottle (not my fav either…lol)
- Nasal sprays (Flonase or Afrin)
- Orange juice, fresh oranges
- Rubbing alcohol
- Throat lozenges or sprays with menthol or benzocaine (Cepacol or Chloraseptic)
- Vicks vapor rub & shower steamers
- White vinegar (cleaning vinegar)
- Witch Hazel
Helpful Tips While Sick
- Wash your hands! 🧼
- Apply a quality lotion, as the constant hand washing can cause damage to your hands if allowed to dry out and get course. I love Advanced Clinicals Manuka Honey or The Naked Bee Orange Blossom Honey.
- Isolate the sick person in one bedroom, if possible.
- Mask up 😷, especially if you can’t isolate yourself in one room in the house.
- Try to use a designated hand towel separate from others if sharing a bathroom.
- Use disinfecting sprays (try DIY) to keep surface areas germ-free (allow dry time per instructions)
- Use disinfecting wipes to supplement sprays if that aggravates your cough
- Wipe surfaces, light switches, faucet handles, fridge handles, microwave buttons, etc.
- Get dual-purpose fresh fruits such as lemons 🍋 and oranges 🍊 that hydrate, heal & and sanitize:
- provides immune-boosting vitamins
- create DIY disinfectants (see essential oil suggestions above)
- Fill a large glass bowl with hot water, then drape a towel over your head while breathing the steam in deeply. Place a dab of Vicks vapor rub in the hot water bowl for extra benefit.
Helpful Cleaning Tips to Stay Healthy While Caring for Sick Family
- Be diligent in discarding sweaty clothing, towels, rags, sheets, bedspreads, pillowcases, etc. to the laundry basket for washing with bleach and hot water.
- Keep areas wiped clean with disinfectant to reduce exposure to the shed virus cells, mucus residue, sweat, cough/ spit droplets, etc.
- Empty dirty tissues from the trash or other temp receptacles (we used a recycled take-out paper bag with handles) to avoid exposure for curious small children or pets.
- Spray disinfectant (Lysol, Clorox, essential oils DIY version) onto sleeping area and let air dry while you’re in the shower or moved over to a seat during the daytime.
- If you’re suffering from allergies, it could be a result of the dust mite level in your bed. It’s recommended to wash your sheets, etc. every week or 2 weeks. It is also suggested to keep your room cool below 68 degrees and NOT to make up your bed, especially if you’ve sweat. 😲 Let the sheets air dry. The lack of humidity in the sheets will also help to kill dust mites. (Ew). 😨
Get Well and Stay Healthy, Y’all!
I hope this post has helped you. Please let me know in the comments if you have some additional helpful tips that I can try. What is your favorite item to combat the colds out there? Although I’m not as panicked as I once was when all this mess began, I’m trying to avoid complacency by staying prepared. It’s no fun being sick, but maybe you won’t remain ill as long with these products in your stockpile and by following these tips.
At no cost to you…As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the other links mentioned are also my affiliate links, which I may earn a small commission if clicked or purchased. Your support is greatly appreciated, but never expected. Thank you!