How to Prevent a Cold or Flu

How’s everything going with you?

Earlier this year, I was supposed to visit Japan in February. But our flight was canceled, and at the time, everyone simply felt sorry for us. None of us could have imagined that only weeks later, NYC would go into lockdown on March 26th. Now it’s already May, and we still don’t know how long this new normal will last.

While there are many opinions about Covid-19—some believing it’s a deadly virus, others seeing it as something like the flu—this post isn’t about debate. Instead, I want to share practical ways to prevent catching a cold or flu, so we can avoid unnecessary trips to already-overwhelmed doctor’s offices.

We already know the basics: washing hands and gargling after coming home. Here are a few additional tips to help protect your health:

🛡️ Cold & Flu Prevention Tips

1) Cover your neck, wrists, and ankles

Your immune system weakens when your body temperature drops. Heat escapes easily from the neck, wrists, and ankles—even if you’re wearing layers. Keep them covered to stay warm.

2) Let sunlight in during the day, close curtains at night

Natural sunlight helps cleanse your space. Keep windows clean, and use thick curtains at night to preserve warmth. Viruses dislike heat, but avoid overheating indoors—sudden temperature shocks can stress the body.

3) Use a humidifier

Flu viruses thrive in cold, dry air. Maintaining a humidity level of 50–60% reduces their survival.

4) Take cough drops

A dry throat makes you more vulnerable to infection. Lozenges help keep it lubricated. Look for ones with honey for its natural antiseptic properties. (I personally like Ricola, even though it doesn’t contain honey!)

5) Gargle with tea

Catechins in tea are powerful infection fighters. Green tea is my go-to (thanks to my mom’s habit), but black tea works too.

📖 Here’s a non-alarmist article I found about flu epidemics

Take gentle care of yourself, stay safe, and stay healthy.

Nurture your skin, and Nurture your soul.

Love and Light,

Coco – Aromatic Rituals