I need hacks for not being constantly sick while having littles in school. We already do so much hand washing, bathing, disinfecting, laundry, and still the horrors persist. Pls save me 💗

Question

Dylan · Answer

Betadine throat gargle: Kills a broad spectrum of nasty germs in the mouth + throat like bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.

I find this good to have in the cabinet as an occasional preventative measure (e.g. after a known exposure to someone who is sick or when travelling) but as it contains iodine, it isn't suitable for everyone.

Dylan · Answer

Saline nasal spray: There's plenty of science to support this theory which I'll let you research for yourself, but essentially, flushing the nose with saline helps to wash away any viruses, bacteria, pollen, dust, etc before they can infect + multiply :)

Dylan · Answer

Oil of Wild Oregano: gut health, immune support, respiratory relief, antiviral, antiinflammatory & antifungal.

Dylan · Answer

BioCeuticals ArmaForce Immune Support Olive Leaf : contains Andrographis, Echinacea, Olive Leaf, Vitamin C, Zinc <3

Dylan · Answer

Wear a face mask in busy spaces: Immunocompromised people have to do this all the time but if we can even try to mask in highly populated areas like on public transport, in supermarkets, at concerts, etc it can make a huge difference!

Catherine Davis · Answer

Don’t touch your face: I know this is basic advice but my mom was a teacher for 33 years and I taught preschool and we both agreed that this and washing your hands obsessively are the tactics that help the most. But the truth is they are building up their immunity and you are going to unfortunately also be affected by this natural and necessary process. This too shall pass although I know when you’re in the middle of this phase it seems never ending!

Al Sparks · Answer

Immune Charge+ Throat Spray: My daily dose of protection from the world.

If I’m traveling or really feeling it I step up to their immune charge shots (not needle!) 2x day

Lexie F · Answer

Astepro: In a masochistic manner, I track my illness + duration in a note on my phone. I still got my kid’s cold, but it lasted only five days instead of my usual 11-14 lingering symptoms.

Clare EQ · Answer

Wellness formula: I have a 2 year old in daycare. Yesterday started feeling the ole dreaded sniffle/sore throat, took the max recommended dose on the back, woke up feeling perfect. She’s that girl

Kari O · Answer

Zicam: The melts, the nasal spray, I swear by both. You have to be rigorous and follow the directions. But zinc works wonders and this is the best vehicle I have found.

Kari O · Answer

wellness formula: These are horse pills (they are enormous) but they sure do work. I also take the liquid remedy daily to stave of colds, etc. I’m a kindergarten teacher so I know what’s what.

Jennifer · Answer

Antibacterial soap: You might be doing this, but I always used just hand soap/mrs meyers type washes but when I switched to antibacterial, we stopped getting persistent sickness! 5 kids who play in The dirt so they still get plenty of good bacteria :P

Susan · Answer

Change your shirt...: You're probably already doing this, but our daily getting-home mantra was "Change your shirt and wash your hands!" literally the FIRST THING after we got in the door. Other people's children would happily cough on my child's clothes all day (how DARE they) and idk if this made much difference but maybe at least psychologically?? (and he made it to adulthood 😅)

darcy · Answer

Cold defender nasal spray: Can’t actually vouch for this because I haven’t tried it (yet!) but I have had this tab open on my phone since 2020. Worth a try?

Leah · Answer

TJ’s ginger juice drink mix: I feel your pain. I have a preschooler and 2nd grader and somehow only I am sick right now. It’s been bad every flu season since my first started school. was hoping this would be the year it finally stops but sadly no. Until then- this. Leared about it from Samin Nosrat’s podcast Home Cooking. Last year we had pinworms for 3 months (!!!!) that was awful

Liv · Answer

daily sinus rinse: THIS IS A MUST IN COLD AND FLU SEASON. Especially if you have kids in daycare. Saved my ass from 400 sinus infections. I just keep a jug of distilled water in my bathroom and do it room temp, takes some getting used to but a total lifesaver.

Piper · Answer

gargling (why is that the word): I have no kids and have not tried this LOL but I heard about the Japanese practice of gargling with salt water WHEN you get home and it makes sense to me because my parents swore by gargling with salt water (or vodka lol) when you started to get a sore throat. There is science! 💜