Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, you probably heard about the flu this season. In fact, this season is one of the worst ones we have had in many years.

If you had the unfortunate luck of having the flu, you already know how nasty it can be. However, if you’ve been lucky to escape the germs, here are some tips to continue keeping them at bay.

It is common practice to reach for over the counter remedies to fight cold and flu germs, but what about if you are interested in natural prevention and treatment? What can you do to help?

Natural Strategies for Cold & Flu Prevention

1. Wash, wash, and wash again. It seems like common sense, but washing your hands is one of the most effective prevention strategies for cold and flu viruses. As the flu season kicks into high gear, be sure that you are washing your hands more often than normal. Make sure, however, that you aren’t using antibacterial soap. Cold and flu germs are caused by viruses, so antibacterial soaps don’t have any affect on prevention. In fact, studies are actually producing evidence that these products end up doing more harm than good. So be sure to stick with regular soap and hot water.
2. Pay attention to what you are touching. Keep your hands off of your face as much as possible and out of your mouth. It may sound simple, but you’d be surprised and how often you touch your face. Also, try to stay clear of touching objects that receive a high amount of traffic, like public faucets, water fountains, shopping carts, etc.
3. Get some fresh air. Yes, even in the winter fresh air is good for your body. Take a walk and get some exercise to help fight off those germs. Although the cold months may have you feeling like hibernating, exercise and fresh air are shown to keep your body in optimal health.

Natural Strategies for Cold & Flu Treatment

1. Chicken soup for the cold. You may think that your mother was kidding when she fed you chicken soup to help fight off a cold. However, studies show that this natural remedy can actually relieve symptoms, especially for upper respiratory problems.
2. Don’t forget the ginger. Regardless of the germs, ginger is a great treatment. Whether you are fighting off an upset stomach or influenza, ginger helps ease your symptoms. Prepare your chicken soup with a little ginger or have a cup of ginger tea and watch the symptoms wane.
3. Warm drinks with honey hit the spot. Honey has amazing healing properties. It can help suppress a cough and even clear out a stuffy head or nose. Whether you have a sore throat or need to warm up from a fever, hot drinks with honey are the ticket.

Although you don’t want to obsess about cold and flu germs, take the precautions to keep them away. And if you happen to become ill, take the time your body needs to rest and heal.

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