It’s that special time of year again when practically everyone you know (including you) has a cold, COVID or the flu at a given time. And while now there is a FDA approved test to tell if you have covid or the flu, you still have to deal with the symptoms. We’re talking about the dreaded sore throat, stuffy nose, chills, fever, cough and more.

To help you get through this season, CNET’s wellness editors have compiled our cold and flu season hacks we use to avoid getting sick at all costs. In addition to our tips, we’ve included any products we like and links to additional information on why these hacks can work.

Detox tea

“Whenever I feel a cold coming on, I always make this detox tea drink. The recipe includes puree cranberry juicean organic lemon and dandelion tea. I will take a gallon cup or a very large mason jar and fill it with hot water. Then, I abruptly two dandelion tea bags for 10 to 15 minutes. Next, I add the juice of one lemon and half a cup of pure cranberry juice. This drink is very bitter, so I suggest you add honey.

In addition to eating three healthy meals throughout the day, I try to finish as much of my tea as possible. It really helps wash everything off and keep me hydrated. Plus, drinking it hot soothes my throat. Pure cranberry juice and dandelion tea are rich in antioxidants and lemons contain vitamin C.” – Caroline Igo, sleep editor

Zinc

“During cold and flu season, I try to take zinc regularly since some studies show it can shorten a cold with a day or two. The argument is still up for debate, but I’ve found that when I take it, I stay healthy during cold and flu season. I also focus on maintaining a diet high in antioxidants supports the immune systemso it can be a combination of things.” – Giselle Castro-Sloboda, wellness writer

Echinacea

“I take echinacea supplements when I’m sick because of (apparently mixed and inconclusive evidence) that it can help you feel better faster and that some immune system boosting properties.” – Jessica Rendall, wellness writer

Turmeric

“I like lattes and turmeric teas when I’m not feeling well. Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is said to be able to it benefits those dealing with allergies and infections. It is also connected to alleviating anxietywhich is something I feel especially when I’m sick. However, hot drinks are known relieves the symptoms of flu and common coldand I definitely feel these benefits with my favorite turmeric drinks.

Although I have tried making my own turmeric latte, I prefer the taste Golden Super Latte from Clevr Blends, which includes probiotics, mushrooms and adaptogens. For a cheaper option, I like it too Honey Chai Turmeric Vitality tea from Yogi Tea with a little honey added (and sometimes lemon). Note that both drinks contain black pepper, which can increase the body’s ability to absorb curcumin, the beneficial compound in turmeric.” – Anna Gragert, wellness editor

Shock

“Although more research is needed to fully understand everything the effects of elderberries in treating or preventing a cold or the flu, this is a supplement which you can always find in my medicine cabinet. I take it daily and have found that I get sick less than when I didn’t take it. I’ve tried it in all its forms — gums, syrup, tablets and capsules. Gummies are definitely the tastiest, but they often come with a lot of added sugar, so I just stick to capsules. This, along with good sleep, exercise and frequent hand washing, are my go-tos during cold and flu season.” – Nasha Addarich Martínez, managing editor

Focusing on throat care with tea, honey and more

“If I have a cold, I like to make beer fresh ginger tea and adding honey to it. For pains and scratches in the throat, I gargle with salt and warm waterbut I also dress my neck with a warmed honey mixture and lemon juice (some people also use lemon). It’s like a homemade medicated syrup that tastes good and soothes the throat at the same time.” – Giselle Castro-Sloboda, wellness writer

Hot water, honey, apple cider vinegar and hot toddies

“If I get sick in the winter, it’s usually with a sore throat or strep throat. Certain cough drops sometimes seem to make my pain and sore throat worse once the brief, temporary relief they provide wears off. Instead, I turned to hot drinks with honey (preferably honey purchased locally) A mixture that I will consume during the day is simple: hot water, honey and a small apple cider vinegar The other is a hot toddy in the evening, usually a few hours before bed.

Variations of hot toddies were used as cold and cough remedies hundreds of years. The recipe typically involves hot water, whiskey, honey and lemon, often garnished with a cinnamon stick. Of course, the addition of whiskey is completely optional, and you’ll still feel the soothing benefits of this drink without it. In addition to washing my hands frequently, I spend as much time outside as possible during the winter. Getting fresh air and sunlight — even in the colder months — seems to help I strengthen my immune system (and my mood).” – Aly Lopez, sleep writer

Optimize your sleep

“Sleep is one essential part of recovery from the flu. That said, it can be very difficult to sleep when you’re sick, especially if you have a runny nose or persistent cough. To combat this, I often supported sleep when i’m sick It might sound a little weird, but it helps me make sure I can breathe and sleep enough to allow my body to rest and recover as quickly as possible. There are specialist cushions for this, although I tend to hoard what I have to save some money.” – Taylor Leamey, sleep writer

VapoRub

“For congestion and coughs, I rely on Vicks VapoRub and rub some on my chest (note that you you should not put it in or around your nostrils). It’s a temporary solution that helps clear up my sinuses quickly. And now that I’m dealing with a little one, I’ve found that steam baths help with nasal congestion, followed by clearing it with a nasal aspirator.” – Giselle Castro-Sloboda, wellness writer

Steam

“Whenever I get sick, it tends to cause congestion in the upper respiratory tract. To clear my sinuses and blow my nose easier, a steamy shower is best because steam inhalation has been shown to relieve cold symptoms. To avoid the hot water scalding my skin, I’ll often let the shower head run away from my body for a few minutes while I breathe deeply to inhale the steam.” – Anna Gragert, wellness editor

Pay attention to your body’s signals

“Over time, I’ve learned that when my body is damaged and possibly ‘coming down’ with something, namely fighting an infection or illness, the skin on my back will become very sensitive. be slightly elevated from baseline, even if not high enough to be considered a fever Your immune system has the best chance of successfully fighting anything. I admit that not everyone will have this specific quirk, but I think pay attention to your own body’s signs that you might be getting sick and adjust accordingly. – Jessica Rendall, wellness writer