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9 Essential Items You’ll Need by Your Side When You’re Battling the Flu

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No matter how prepared you think you are for the flu, there’s always that one item you could kick yourself for not having within arm’s reach when the first signs of sniffles roll around. Not only do you want everything you’ll need to make yourself comfortable, you’ll want the house to be as germ-free as possible to prevent prolonged illness and the spread of your illness to your loved ones.

We’ve compiled a handy checklist of all the cold and flu products you’ll want to have on-hand. Take a look below for everything you’ll need to help you get back on you feet ASAP.

1. Clorox Disinfectant Wipes

Amazon

Where to buy: $9.99, Target

When you’re sick, you don’t want to mess around with the spray and cloth To stop the spread of germs in one quick swipe, try these disinfecting wipes from Clorox. These triple-layered sheets will be your one-stop fix when you sneeze all over the coffee table.

EZC Pak 5-Day Immune Booster 

Amazon

Where to buy: $17.98 (Originally $22.98), Amazon

There are a whole host of vitamins you can take to help boost your immune system in the event of an illness, but this  five-day immune support pack as seen on Shark Tank pairs three of the most powerful — organic echinacea, zinc, and vitamin C — in a single supplement. Designed by a doctor to stop the over-usage of antibiotics for cold and flu symptoms, this pack is vegetarian and gluten-free with ingredients that help to increase your T-cell activity, which plays a central role in immune response. Find out more here

3. Hey Dewy Facial Humidifier

REVOLVE

Where to buy: $39, REVOLVE

A 2007 study from the Oregon Department of Health Services states that dry air helps to disseminate viruses, meaning you may be able to combat them by injecting the air around you with moisture via a humidifier. What’s more, a personal humidifier, like this facial model from Hey Dewy, which has a 10-hour run time, will help to decongest your throat and nasal passages.

This device also boasts a soft LED light and is small enough to take with you on-the-go, making it a Godsend for travel.

4. Paper Towels, Paper Plates, and Paper Cups

Amazon

Where to buy: $14.99. Amazon

If you’re mid-flu, you’ll probably be too drained for cleanup, so having disposable plates ($6.01, Amazon) and cups ($29.97, Amazon) around is a good idea. Switching up your regular dish towels for paper towels ($14.99, Amazon) is also wise, since germs can get stuck in fabrics.

5. Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer

Amazon

Where to buy: $15.95, Amazon

While hand sanitizer can’t replace a proper hand wash, having a good one, like this Touchland power mist spray, will help keep germs at bay — up to 99.99 percent of germs, according to the brand. This spray is TSA-approved and comes in eight different soothing scents, including the pictured lavender. What’s more, it’s formulated with antimicrobial ingredients, such as radish root and lemon essential oil, lime essential oil (to prevent aging of the hands), and aloe vera for hydration.

6. Kleenex Ultra-Soft Facial Tissues

Amazon

Where to buy: $5.97 (Originally $7.99), Amazon

When it comes to tissues, there are many options to choose from, but we think you should treat your nose kindly when you’re feeling so rotten. Kleenex’s best-selling Ultra Soft is amazingly true to its name, with a super luxe, gentle feel that won’t leave your nose feeling raw.

Take it from this buyer, who called them “perfect for colds and stuffy noses, writing, “Very easy on the nose and face when you have a cold. Love this product!”

7. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

Amazon

Where to buy: $9.97 (Originally $10.99), Amazon

Obviously, having clean, germ-free clothes and linens will help keep the flu from spreading. Refreshing your bedsheets, pillowcases, and towels will also help you feel less icky while on the mend, and this laundry sanitizer from Lysol can be added to your rinse cycle to eliminate 99.99 percent of bacteria & odors. It’s also gentle on your fabrics and works in most HE machines.

8. Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup

Amazon

Where to buy: $16. 15, Amazon

Sure, your mother’s chicken soup recipe is basically magic, but when you’re ill, heading into the kitchen to whip up a home-cooked meal is the last thing you want to do. Make sure you always have a can at-the-ready with this 12-pack of Campbell’s chicken noodle. Not only will it help soothe a sore throat. it’s believed that chicken soup can help to break up sinus congestion.

9. Nokina Withings Thermo Smart Temporal Thermometer

Amazon

Where to buy: $97.66, Amazon

When you’ve got a bad illness, you don’t want to play around with a fever — if your temperature creeps up over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to call the doctor. You can keep a close eye on how things are progression with this high-precision Withings thermometer. It has 16 infrared sensors and takes more than 4000 measurements, all of which can be synced to an accompanying app on your mobile device or PC. There, you can keep track of the health stats of up to eight different family members at once for the ultimate peace of mind.

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