Household Tips for Beating Cold and Flu Season

As the colder weather commences  cold and flu germs will start making their way around the community. The World Heath Organization says that 50% of all common illnesses are due to poor air quality inside the home. We are in our homes more than any other place and continuously breathing in low levels of toxins. This lowers our immune system’s ability to fight off the germs that cause sickness. Here are some things you can do at home for a healthier environment to keep cold and flu from hitting your family.

Install Clean Air Filters 

This should be done at least once a year, but more often if you have allergy or asthma sufferers in the home. The air circulating through your home is only as clean as the filters it travels through as well as the air ducts. All air ducts in your home should be cleaned annually as well.

Essential Oils

Essential oils have great antibacterial and immune boosting properties. There are two great ways to use them in your home to help fight sick germs. Purchase a candle wax warmer, like the ones from that popular home selling business,  and combine 5-8 drops of essential oil and water in the compartment meant to hold the wax melt and turn the warmer on. The oils will evaporate in the air and kill any airborne germs that are hanging around from sneezing and coughing. Likewise you can also use an essential oil diffuser, but they are more costly. When the oils in the air are breathed in they work on killing any bacteria hanging out in the respiratory system. The best oils for this include lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, or sage.

Essential oils make great salves for adults and older children. Mix 6 drops of oil into a carrier oil such as coconut, almond or olive oil and rub it on feet before bed or nap time. After applying the salve put on socks. The best oils for this include tea tree, eucalyptus, ginger, and rosemary.

Omega 3

Omega 3s are proven to increase the activity of the cells that fight flu by eating flu bacteria. These cells are called phagocytes. Omega 3s have also been shown to increase air flow and protect lungs from respiratory infections. Buy supplements in the vitamin section or eat more fish, a great natural source of Omega 3s, especially salmon.

Hot and Cold Shower

Research has shown that shocking the nervous system will jump start your immune system. At the end of a hot shower, stand under the hottest water you can stand for 30 seconds and then switch to the coldest water for 10 seconds. Repeat this three times ending with cold water and have a nice warm towel waiting when you get out.

Garlic

Garlic is a great natural germ fighting wonder. Chop 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic into tiny pieces and mix into a glass of water. Plug your nose and chug the concoction. This may sound gross ,but it is very helpful.

Have Carpet Professionally Cleaned 

Carpets act as a large air filter in the home. If your carpets are dirty your air is dirty and continues to get dirtier. According to the EPA carpet as well as air ducts play a significant role in the air quality of the home and the air you breathe.

Carpets should be professionally deep cleaned at least once a year and more often if you have kids, pets, allergy sufferers, elderly, or asthma sufferers in your home. Make sure to call a cleaner that uses green cleaning products to ensure healthy air in the home.

All Kleen has been in the green carpet cleaning business for more than 30 years. Make an appointment online today.