The ultimate cold and flu survival kit

There’s a reason it’s called the “common cold” — adults contract it two to three times a year, and research has shown that at any given time, 33 percent of Canadians are dealing with a sore throat, cold or flu. When you have to admit defeat, it helps to have a well-stocked survival kit. Here's what to put in it:

1. Nude Wild Honey, $15, Loblaws.

2. AromaOm Ultrasonic Nebulizer, $90, Saje.

3. Cold Survival Sachet Kit, $20, David's Tea.

4. Hot Water Bottle, $28, Roots.

5. Diffuser Blends, from $15 each, Saje.

Drink to your health

An adult female should consume 2.7 litres of fluids a day — especially when sick. Calgary-based dietitian Andrea Holwegner analyzes the go-to elixirs of three Chatelaine staffers.

1. Ginger-tea medley

“At first cough, I drink my ginger-tea medley. To make it, slice a 3-inch knob of washed, unpeeled ginger. Add it to 6 cups of water. Boil for 15 to 20 min. Add 1 tbsp brown sugar.” — Carolyn Lim Chua, associate food editor The assessment: Fluid in general helps moisten the lining of the respiratory tract, and ginger can reduce nausea.

2. Hug in a mug

“I call this my hug in a mug. I drink it once a cold hits. Camomile tea plus peppermint and honey. It soothes a cough and is so calming.” — Laura Brown, managing editor The assessment: This will help with congestion, and the honey will have a soothing effect on the throat. Mint can also help settle an upset stomach.

3. Cold and Flu Buster

“My go-to is the Cold and Flu Buster from the Big Carrot Juice Bar in Toronto: raspberries, grapefruit, orange, lemon and echinacea tincture.” — Alexandra Gater, editorial coordinator The assessment: Top marks for all the vitamin C. Consuming 200 mg of it a day may slightly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

Related:
10 ways to stay flu-free till spring
Can you "boost" your immunity?
What you need to know about the flu shot