Well, unfortunately, as with every year, we’re in the cold and flu season and you probably know a few people who are laid up with something or another. The flu shot has become popular in the past few years and might be a very good way to stay sick-free. If you want my opinion, it’s the simple things that truly keep you from getting sick or if you’re already sick, on the path to getting better, faster.

First off, no, I’m not a doctor, so if you feel you need to see one, please do. These are just simple suggestions and remedies I have found to work for me in preventing sickness or getting me over a nasty bug. Some of these things you probably already do and some may sound silly but give them a try and see how they work for you.

So, without further ado, here is my Top 10 to help smack that cold/flu silly:

Golden Seal Root

Golden Seal Root is an herb that is said to have many medicinal qualities such as anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, laxative, emmenagogue, and oxytocic among others. Some would say it can even patch a tire. I know that it has kept me from getting sick and stopped a cold from getting worse. Good stuff.

Shower Shock

This method was shared by a close family member and shouldn’t be taken lightly. You are to take a hot shower, as hot as you can take it but not scalding hot for 1 minute. After the minute is up, you immediately switch to a cold shower…not warm or lukewarm…but cold for another minute. Then immediately dry off, wrap yourself in a blanket and rest. Supposedly this method shocks the body out of being sick. It worked once but I’ve never been brave enough to do it again.

Vitamin C

You can’t get enough Vitamin C when you’re sick whether it be orange juice, grape fruit juice, cranberry juice or unsweetened pineapple juice. Even a Vitamin C pill is good thing. Just get in the Vitamin C…colds and flus don’t like it.

Rest

You can’t get enough rest but let’s be real, when you’re sick as a dog, that’s all you want to do anyway. You have to let your body fight the good fight for you. It’s important to get plenty of sleep and rest while you’re body is at war.

Water

Water is your friend. Love water. Respect water. It is a natural cleanser. Make water your friend when you’re sick and especially when you’re well.

Vick’s Vapo Rub

Every house needs Vick’s Vapo Rub when you’re visited by ‘Brotha Cold’ or ‘Sista Flu.’ It helps with congestion, cough and just makes for a better night of breathing. I recently heard of a new way to apply Vick’s…on the bottom of your feet. You’re apparently supposed to rub it on the bottom of your feet, then put on a pair of socks before bed. I don’t know but apparently it works very well.

Gatorade

Gatorade is a childhood throwback to the days when the flu seemed like death. It always seemed to restore my energy. I realized it when I got older and learned more that it was just restoring my electrolytes and rehydrating me. I still drink it when I’m sick to this day.

TV

Watching TV when you’re sick is almost unavoidable…I know. Just make sure you watch gut-busting comedy and laugh you butt off… if you’re able to. Laughter can be very healing especially when you’re not feeling you’re best.

Avoidance

This technique is best employed to avoid getting sick completely. Most of us tend to get sick at the office and since many of our co-workers insist on coming to work anyway…avoid them. You need to duck-dodge-dive all day if you have to. It’s nothing personal.

Stay Home

This is for people who have unfortunately caught the bug. Please stay home. I now there are bills, responsibilities and other things that need to be taken care of but forcing yourself to work won’t do you or anybody else any good. Stay home and focus on getting better.

Again, I’m not doctor, so if you need to pay your doctor a visit, please do. Let me know if any these remedies work or if you’ve heard of any of these methods before. Take care and stay healthy.