Strep throat, colds and the flu can make it’s way through your home in a matter of days – one person at a time.
It is no fun. We have been there. I thought I’d share a few things that I have learned through it:
- Warm water with lemon, honey and ginger does work better than cough syrup. Just don’t give it to infants.
- Soft toilet tissue works just as well as facial tissue and it is much cheaper.
- Tossing a blanket into the dryer for a few minutes will make your kids all cozy and warm inside. They may even smile.
- Chicken soup is best with grilled cheese or grilled PB&J. This old timers remedy likely works so well because of the anti-inflammatory and mucus-thinning effects.
- Watch a funny movie or TV show. See who can tell the funniest joke or story. Laughter really is the best medicine. According to researchers at California’s Loma Linda University, laughter reduces blood levels of cortisol, epinephrine, and other substances, and boosts the immune system by increasing the antibody immunoglobin A and natural killer cells that attack virus and tumor cells, while activating T-cells.
- Use a Neti Pot. It really does work wonders.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Kids love juice pops. This also eases sore throats.
Honey, Lemon and Ginger Tea Recipe
- 1 ginger root, peeled
- 3-5 tablespoons of honey (more if sore throat is involved, less if not)
- 4 tablespoons of lemon juice
- pitcher of warm water
Start by simmering the water. Drop the ginger root into a heat safe pitcher or thermos. Pour the water over it. Add the honey and lemon. Mix well. Strain about a half a cup into a coffee mug and serve. Sip slowly.
I feel ya. Gonna have to try that hot lemon water with ginger. We’re battling sickness in our house too.
I’m in LA too and the ice cream truck just visited us two weeks ago.
All I know is that if anyone is coughing at night, that VICKS on the FEET works wonders! My MIL told me that, and I thought she was NUTS, but I tried it, and it has worked like a charm with all the kids. I stand amazed. Maybe there is something to the trigger point theories…
I truly hope you feel better soon.
All I know is that if anyone is coughing at night, that VICKS on the FEET works wonders! My MIL told me that, and I thought she was NUTS, but I tried it, and it has worked like a charm with all the kids. I stand amazed. Maybe there is something to the trigger point theories…
I truly hope you feel better soon.
How does one make a grilled PBJ? I have never heard of this…but it sounds like something the picky eating young ones might actually eat.
Grilled PB&J;? Never heard of it. I'll have to serve that to the kids one of these days. We always have tomato soup with our grilled cheese.
OH yea… the strep virus made it thru here this past two weeks. First my daughter got it and got it bad.. she couldn’t stop throwing up and had to go to the ER and have an IV.. then I got it..my throat is still tender a week later. I can sympathize. How do you make the lemon and ginger drink? I always get this horrible pee in your pants cough! LOL
Hey…MOM insists that you boil the ginger, the honey, the lemon and the water for 7 minutes…to get it good and hot..THEN you sip it..all day..SHE swears by it and who am I to argue with mom?
Feel better hon!
Oh…and in between washings..did ja know that if you put the PILLOWCASES in the dryer on HIGH, you’ll kill those germs…My friend who is an ICU nurse told me that…
Now…I’m all out of tips..you go back to bed!
love ya!
My kids would love the blanket in the dryer idea even when they are well! Sounds comfy. I hope your family gets well soon.
I’m so sorry sickness is at the Bayliss home! I hope it goes away soon. Mom’s bed is always the most comfortable, LOL! Definitely praying for ya’ll.
ok…I’ll take the blanket in the dryer idea and give you the one about fresh squeezed orange juice. For some reason, that always makes my kids feel better.
I am going to put a blankie in the dryer now…
Oh, and we live in Northern Indiana, and we still get the ice cream truck year round. Crazy, huh? who thinks about that when it’s 40 below???
I am so sorry to hear everyone has been sick. I am saying a prayer for the Bayliss family right now. But, the things that you listed are so true…even, in Arkansas, well, except for the ice cream truck. It only runs in the summer…that goodness.
When my kids are sick…they sleep with their momma (yes, my 14 year still does) and I love the blanket in the dryer. Awwwwww…I’m not sick and I want to go do that now.
Praying that you and your family get well very soon.
Blessings!