Hi Divas! Today we’re discussing surviving cold and flu season and I must say thank you to Influenster.com for providing a product free of charge that my family will get plenty of use out of. I did not receive any financial compensation to write this blog post, but wanted to share my thoughts, opinions and wellness tips.
Mom’s all over can relate to this question when it comes to surviving cold and flu season:
What’s worse than a sick child?
Yep, you guessed it. A sick husband.
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Seriously, the men our lives often put so much into all those manly things they do, but when they get hit with a cold or the flu they quickly remember why they have such loving, nurturing beings like us in their lives.
My husband got hit with a bug a few weeks ago and he was down for the count for a few days. Besides forcing him to drink plenty of liquids, get rest and just be still – having to monitor his temperature was a breeze with Braun’s Forehead Thermometer.
Using a forehead thermometer can be a little tricky at first. The thermometer has to be swiped across the forehead. I like that depending on the temperature, the screen changes colors. This comes in very handy when taking someone’s temperature and not wanting to turn on bright lights. I was able to quickly take my husband’s temperature when needed without disturbing his rest or waiting for minutes for a reading.
Tips for Surviving Cold and Flu Season
Many of these are just simple reminders on how we can do our best to stay healthy this time of year:
- Wash your hands regularly. It goes without saying that we touch so many different things throughout the day and regularly come in contact with different viruses on our hands and fingertips. Touch your hands or rub your eyes and it is sniffle city for you.
- Discuss with your doctor whether a flu shot is right for you and your family. For some it’s necessary and for others not so much. Your doctor would be the best to help you with making an informed decision. My oldest son was a preemie and went to a traditional daycare with children six weeks to school age so getting a flu shot was a definite. My daughter was full-term and is in a in-home daycare with only five other children – for her we decided it was not so necessary.
- Stock your medicine cabinet: pain relievers, decongestants, tissues, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and a good thermometer are top on my list.
- Skip the antibiotics. Colds and the flu are caused by viruses – which antibiotics have no effect on. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can make you resistant to them. Meaning when do you need them for an infection, your body has built up a tolerance to them.
- Sick? Stay home, please! If you’re sick (and especially if you have a fever) do your co-workers, friends and others a favor by staying home, resting and not spreading the virus to others.
- Increase your fluid intake (water, sports drinks, herbal teas and broth are best) to help drain sinuses and relieve stuffy noses.
What are your tips and helpful hints for surviving cold & flu season?
Disclosure, I received the Braun Forehead Thermometer complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
Amanda Love says
There is nothing worse than having a sick child. That is also a great thermometer. My daughter hates anything touching her ear when she’s sick so we had to invest in a temporal scan one as well.
ladymarielle says
lucky for us we are not sick (yet). We went through a bad cold attack before winter started. Wish i had one of those when my son was a baby.
Lori says
Great tips for surviving the cold and flu season. We particularly have to be extra careful due to me being pregnant and also having a preemie in the house. Diligence during this season is the name of the game. Great post!
The *New* Classy (@TheNewClassy) says
I think a forehead thermometer would be a really handy thing to have around. I am so not looking forward to getting a cold or flu this year *knock on wood*.
Onica {MommyFactor} says
Good tips for surviving this cold and flu season. You can never be to careful
Fabulous Perks says
I keep forgetting to get one of these forehead thermometer for my little munchkin. Thanks for sharing I might just get this brand.
Amanda McMahon says
Haha a! You are absolutely right! Husband’s are … ok some… are useless when a bit sick!
Ashley Gill says
You are exactly right… My husband is WAY worse than the children when he gets sick! I am in need of a new thermometer.. This may be the one for us!
kay adeola says
Thank you for sharing this we have a thermometer the one that you can use for room temp in ear and forehead all in one i love having that around.
Le-an Lai Angeles Lacaba says
It’s going to be hard with the flu, plus there is a measles epidemic in Manila. Getting sick is never good nowadays
Michelle says
I’m so sorry to hear that! Well wishes and prayers for everyone in your area!
Lady Lilith says
Nice tips. With all the crazy weather, we are all getting a cold. I could really use the thermometer for the little ones.
Melanie says
We all have colds right now, and I’m very glad I was already stocked up on tissues. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a forehead thermometer. That would have been nice to have when my kids were smaller.
Chubskulit Rose says
I agree, there’s nothing worse than having a sick child at home. We have a couple of thermometer here at home. I am so glad that so far, my kids are spared from getting sick. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they would stay healthy.
BabsProjects says
I saw this thermometer in the store and was curious about it. Now that I have read you review, I will check it out.
Maria says
I love that this is travel friendly and lightweight for our diaper bag! I need to try this for sure!
Jennifer Williams says
My husband is far worse than my kids and he is sitting next to me hinting that he is getting sick – pray for me as I will need it! Great tips for staying well. I try taking extra vitamin c and Airborne and seem to do okay which is good as I do not get sick days.
Pam W says
I love our forehead thermometer. It makes taking care of sick kids so much easier, especially since I can never tell if my oldest has a fever.
becca112971be says
sister please there ain’t nothing worse then a sick man for sure. We take lots of precautions here to keep healthy
Nicole A. says
I have been wanting to get a thermometer like that for awhile now.
cafemochareflections says
This is the best thing about working from home. Although I have to make sure my family stays healthy. Good tips Diva!
Kalley CKalleyC says
Great advice! Especilaly about antibiotic. The last thing we need is to take medicine for something that will pass if we just get some good ol’ fashioned rest.
anita (@KetoWoman) says
Sick men drive me insane! So many people have been sick this season. So far I have been very lucky!
Antionette Blake says
My hubby is sick too and he gets on my nerves – he acts like a baby! Hope you survive the cold and flu season better than I.
Lawna says
I reviewed the same thermometer and I love it! It certainly comes in handy in our household. The flu and cold is hitting very hard this year. There has already been a couple deaths from the flu in our area. I just got my flu shot last weekend and need to get my kids flu shot too.
My Journey With Candida says
LOL… I think having a sick Husband is a reason to go shopping. LOL… They are worse than a little kid when they are sick.
Isabella Grey says
Totally agree on the flu shot! I never get one, because it makes sick as a dog for weeks after.
Theresa says
The flu has already claimed 4 lives in my area since Christmas. It’s no laughing matter. We really need to take care of ourselves when we aren’t feeling well. Having a thermometer on hand is a good start to keeping ourselves healthy!
Casey of Veggies and Glitter says
You are so right about STAYING HOME. My husband always drags himself into the office when he’s sick, and I have tried to make him realize that no one wants him there when he’s so contagious! I’ll have to show him this post to make him realize it’s not just me that feels this way!
Brandi says
This dang up and down roller coaster weather here in Florida is giving everyone a case of the sniffles. We are trying hard to keep the flu away! We use temperature strips instead of thermometers. I’ve found we get a more accurate read.
Winter says
We don’t have a thermometer right now and I”m looking for one that is easy to use. This would be perfect even though my kids aren’t babies any more.
Raquel (@OrganizedIsland) says
Great tips and so true! There are a lot of people sick in my office and I am trying to stay healthy! You are right, sick people should stay home.
Sarah says
My other half seems to come down with things so easily – and when I get ill I get ill so I’m hoping we make it through this year without too much harm. Thank you for the tip 🙂 x
thecluelessmomma says
With two little ones in daycare and one in elementary school, there are so many germs flying around here. Keeping hands clean and regularly washing surfaces that germs might be hiding out on are the most important things I think
Rosey says
I’d like to try a forehead thermometer. My little one’s old enough to do the oral, but it’d still be easier w/a forehead swipe.
Melanie says
We use that same thermometer and it makes it so easy to get a quick temp on the kiddos!
Michele says
I definitely need a new thermometer and this one looks like it is the one I should be purchasing–
Wendy Bottrell says
Surviving Cold and Flu Season can be easier if we look at health as a daily activity. Eating real food everyday. Taking a high quality multi vitamin. Adding Immune boosting herbal formulas during the cold and flu season. Taking Manuka Honey daily. Getting good sleep. Drinking lots of water each day. These are a few of the things I do throughout the year to stay healthy. Best Regards, Wendy
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I have a forehead thermometer (different brand) and I have been using it for years. It’s so easy to use and makes life with little ones a million times easier.