Your Comfort Survival Kit For Cold And Flu Season

I’ve long wanted a cooling blanket for helping cool me down while I sleep, but while recently sick, I was burning up so badly that I wished I’d just taken the plunge and gotten it — because I could really use it now.

Through my research, I think this is one of the best cooling blankets on the market, particularly for its affordable price. It’s designed with two sides, one with cooling fabric that’s supposed to reduce and absorb heat up to twelve times faster than cotton, while reducing body temperature immediately on contact. The other side is made with super-soft 100% Egyptian cotton for comfy breathability.

It has 19,000 5-star ratings and comes in multiple colors and sizes.

Note: Clip the coupon for an additional discount at checkout.

Promising reviews: “This blanket is amazing- I love to cover myself with a blanket at all times. This blanket is perfect for the summer. I’ve also used it for when my children are sick to help with fevers. We’ve bought 4 of these because we all love them.” — Diet coke queen

When you’re sick, feeling absolutely crummy and just want to sleep, blackout curtains may be your dark horse savior.

I recently contracted COVID and fortunately, had recently bought several pairs of Nicetown thermal-insulated blackout drapes to help with reducing ambient light. They help me sleep better in general, but during my bout with COVID, I felt too weak to contend with bright daylight and needed help resting. I thanked my lucky stars I had these already set up. They also helped wonderfully with temperature control.

I decided on these Nicetown ones after a lot of personal research — with over 31,000 5-star ratings but an under-$30 price tag for a set of two, they were by far the most affordable for the quality that I found. Their rod pockets ensured that no light got in, as opposed to options with grommet detailing. Plus, they had such an abundance of colors and sizes that I was able to get just the type I wanted.

Promising review: “I had no idea these were a thing!!! I wish I knew sooner. Highly recommend them to all. I get questions on them all the time. I can’t stand sun light when gaming to many glares on the screen. These got rid of them why better then my blanket combo. Also I got covid as well and these help out a lot with sleeping during the day!!” — Ben

I rely on my Renpho eye massager HEAVILY for sinus and tension headaches, plus oncoming migraines, which worsen when I’m sick, tired or stressed. They’re also incredible at helping relax my mind and body and put me to sleep. I’m at the point where it’s a full staple in my life, and I will not be without one. It’s also worked wonders for my dry eyes.

The Renpho massagers come in various versions, and I’ve tried a number of them. The updated Renpho Eyeris 1 is probably easiest to use given its included remote, but I’ve ended up preferring the remote-less Renpho Eyeris 2, which recalls my last settings without my having to readjust them every time I turn it on.

Both models offer heat, compressive massage and vibration. You also have the option of music: Renpho’s included classical music, Bluetooth capability so you can stream your own tunes or no music at all, which I prefer.

Note: Clip the coupon for an added discount at checkout.

Promising review: “I didn’t have high expectations but I had a 4 day sinus headache that wouldn’t let up. The very first time I used my eye massager, I actually had some relief. I started using it every night when I went to bed and by the second day of use; I wasn’t hurting anymore. This is now my go to whenever I feel a sinus headache come on or just need to feel ‘calm’ after a stressful day. I would highly recommend and not sure what I would do if this ever breaks down. I’ve recommended it to all of my family and coworkers that they’ve even made a purchase and love theirs too. Don’t miss out! The heat option is phenomenal and the music is soothing.” — Mary

There’s nothing quite like slipping into your favorite pajamas when you’re sick as a dog.

These Hanna Andersson long johns are just that thing: Made of ultra-soft organic cotton, they get softer and softer the more you wash them, until they feel like slipping into freshly washed sheets every time you put them on. They’re something of an obsession for me, and a real holy grail. Cozying up in these while sick has provided me a lot of comfort.

They come in unisex adult sizes XS-XXL and in several colors.

If you feel too weak for a full weighted blanket while you’re sick and fatigued, but still want some anxiety-relief, you might find that a weighted hoodie does the trick.

I own and love my own Thera weighed hoodie even when I’m not sick. But when I was recently ill, the jacket was perfectly sized to give me the calming, compressive relief of a weighted blanket while keeping my legs free and my body cool. Wearing its hood also provided extra calm and a sense of security.

It comes in multiple colors, two materials (fleece or extra-plush) and in sizes XS-XXL; the XS is 8 pounds while the other sizes are 10 pounds. It’s also machine-washable!

Developed in Burma in the late 19th century and eventually marketed to mass appeal, Tiger Balm is an impressive temporary salve for muscle pain and joint discomfort. It mixes menthol, camphor, several plant oils and paraffin petrolatum for a minty, cool feeling that’s surprisingly soothing for pain.

I first used Tiger Balm to deal with some sudden-onset back pain at a friend’s recommendation and was floored at how helpful it was. Years later, wracked with muscle pains from illness, I wished fervently that I had some on hand.

You’ll find a number of Tiger Balm options on Amazon, but this option has the most ratings and its 50-gram size provides enough ointment to last you awhile without being too big, especially since the other sizes are often quite small. This version is also clear and less likely to cause discoloration and clothing on sheets, according to reviewers; other versions are red or orange.

Promising review: “This evening my arm had shooting pains (Carpal Tunnel) where it felt nearly unbearable to use it. I took Advil, to no avail, and finally asked my husband to run some Tiger on it. I’d say within 10 minutes my pain went from a 7 to a 3. Love this stuff! I was introduced to Tiger Balm by my husband years ago, who is a loyal fan. Now we buy it on Amazon so we can get the ‘Costco’ size!

I used it a ton during my pregnancies when so much is off the list for pain control… I would use it for sciatic pain, stiff muscles, migraines (on my neck or pain source)… My husband uses it constantly on his knees and back with stiff muscles. It’s such a wonderful product- every medicine cabinet should have some. And, I love that it’s basically all essential oils!

The only thing I’d note is this is a bit like Icy Hot, so wash your hands after application or it will be a bit spicy when you rub your eyes etc… I’m especially careful not to have it on my hands if around my kids.” — Anna

A quality eye mask will also serve you well while sick (and beyond) for keeping out light so you can rest and sleep in the daytime. This soft, molded bestseller works “like blackout curtains for your eyes,” reviewers say, and is designed with extra space between the mask and your eyeballs to not add too much pressure.

Promising review: “Both my son and I have used the eye mask. It worked great for him when he had a migraine, and cold-flu season hit and we needed to nap during the day to rest. They are comfortable, and do the job well.” — L.A.

This Briotech hypochlorous acid spray was previously recommended to HuffPost by a dermatologist as a more affordable swap for the popular Tower 28 SOS spray.

Hypochlorous acid is a soothing, potent antimicrobial that gently calms inflammation on skin while serving as a natural disinfectant.

I find that facial wipes usually break me out, so I rely on hypochlorous acid to quickly cleanse my skin when I’m too sick (or tired) to wash my face.

Micellar water is a kind of cleanser removes makeup, pollution, dirt and oil from your face without requiring you to wash it off. That means you can apply it just about anywhere, including from your bedside while sick if your skin is feeling dry or you haven’t been strong enough to conduct your multi-step routine — as long as you have a cotton pad or something similar to apply it with.

Bioderma’s bestselling version is particularly popular for its gentle formula that removes makeup, oil and dirt without requiring rubbing or tugging on skin.

It’s available in six sizes.

Promising review: “Removes makeup so easily and doesn’t irritate your skin at all. I’ve been using bottles of this and doubt that I’ll ever use a different product. It’s especially convenient at the end of a tiring day.” — Tyler Holmes

If you just can’t get comfortable while you’re sick, a body pillow can help provide extra support. I think this Buffy wiggle pillow is a particularly good choice: It’s bendy enough to literally tie into a knot and combines support with floppiness so you can easily move it around.

It comes with a super-soft zippered eucalyptus lyocell cover, which gets softer with each wash, and measures 8 inches by 82 inches.

Promising reviews: “This pillow is the best. Super soft, but firm enough to provide adequate support. Def my favorite pillow.” — Quincey C.

“This pillow is everything.” — Eliza A.

Originally created to soothe the hands of dairy farmers working in the harsh Vermont climate, this cult-fave occlusive balm expertly softens and moisturizes severely dry, chapped skin using a blend of lanolin and petrolatum.

It did wonders to keep my skin protected and supple while I was sick and too weak to moisturize, especially with my increased handwashing. I also rely on it for everyday use on my hands, face, lids and lips.

The tube version has a slanted applicator that makes it easy to apply straight onto the lips. Its tin jar is best for use at home.

Promising reviews: “Bag Balm has been a staple in my skincare routine for years. It’s incredibly effective at healing and soothing dry, cracked skin, especially during the colder months. The formula is thick and rich, providing long-lasting moisture without feeling greasy. It’s also great for minor cuts and abrasions, helping to speed up the healing process. The tin packaging is nostalgic and practical, making it easy to take with me wherever I go. A true multi-purpose balm that everyone should have on hand.” — Brandon

Dr. Allison Edwards, a family practitioner with the online telehealth platform Sesame, said that N95-rated masks are still a good way to reduce the risk of catching a highly contagious respiratory illness like COVID-19.

These N95 respirator masks come in a pack of 20 and are made by a Florida-based medical device company. They have also been tested and certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for filtering out at least 95% of airborne particles.

Nearly all of the doctors we spoke to for this story mentioned traveling with vitamin supplements to help keep their immune systems boosted. These individual powder sachets by Emergen-C, which were a former doctor recommendation — contain 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C and are chock full of antioxidants and electrolytes. This box contains 30 convenient travel sachets in the brand’s classic orange flavor, though other flavors are available like raspberry and pink lemonade.

As is the case with any supplement, always take with caution and consult with your doctor first before consuming.

It may go without saying, but according to Chonillo, regularly washing your hands is the most important thing you can do while traveling in order to prevent getting sick.

Dr. Sterling N. Ransone Jr., full-time family physician in Deltaville, Virginia, previously said that he always travels with sheets of camping soap, which he said are lightweight and very useful. We found these portable sheets of soap that are antibacterial and formulated with nourishing plant extracts. All you need is a little bit of water to turn one of these sheets in a rich foaming lather.

The price below is for three 100-sheet packs of soap, however small packs are available as well as different scents. Also, note: Definitely clip the on-page coupon to score an extra 5% off at checkout.

According to New York City-based integrated practitioner and medical consultant for Cure electrolyte drink mix Dr. Dana Cohen, she brings magnesium citrate supplements to prevent constipation and keep the bowels flowing. Cohen didn’t recommend a specific brand, so we chose this trusted and recognizable option that contains 120 soft gel capsules of this dietary supplement.

As is the case with any supplement, always take with caution and consult with your doctor first before consuming.

For the same reasons listed above, our experts recommend disinfecting wipes to help clean frequently touched surfaces. We chose the trusted wipes by Clorox, which come in resealable packs and claim to prevent bacteria growth on non-porous surfaces for up to 24 hours.

Dr. Pollyanna Pitt, a family care physician with Teladoc Health, says she brings hand sanitizer containing aloe vera to help keep her hands clean after touching surfaces, without drying out her skin.

Based on her guidance, we selected Purell’s trusted germ-killing formula, which contains aloe and triple-action moisturizers. The price below is for a pack of six travel-sized hand sanitizers.

Another helpful Pitt suggestion: A small first aid kit, similar to the one we found here. It comes with 110 essentials that can help care for superficial wounds, burns and more. The kit is also packed with items like cotton swabs, multiple types of bandages, medical tape and more.

“I hate getting itchy bug bites when traveling. Insect repellent wipes really help. Plus, preventing bites can help you avoid certain infectious illnesses, like Zika and Lyme disease,” Ransone previously said.

These towelettes each contain 30% DEET, one of the most reliable ingredients used to repel Lyme-carrying ticks, and can be rubbed onto exposed patches of skin to provide up to seven hours of protection. The water-based formula is low-odor, non-greasy and non-staining.

“Talk with your family physician if there are vaccines you should get before traveling to parts of the world where these infections are common,” Ransone added.

Edwards, along with several other doctors HuffPost spoke to, emphasized the importance of getting good sleep while traveling. “I travel with eye shades and earplugs to make sure that no matter where I end up crashing in utter exhaustion at the end of a fun day, I can drown out all the odd noises and lights of a new place, ensuring I get good sleep,” she said.

The 4.6 out of 5-star Amazon rating coupled with the 72,578 5-star reviews made it easy for us to select this helpful travel kit containing a pair of foam ear plugs and a 100% blackout sleep mask made with comfortable memory foam and a contoured design.

Staying hydrated was at the top of all of our experts’ lists, including Ransone who previously said that he always packs a collapsible water bottle whenever he travels, especially to warmer climates.

The Vapur flexible water bottle completely rolls up for a level of transportation that’s truly compact. It features a wide mouth, comes with a detachable carabiner clip and is made with dishwasher-safe, BPA-free plastic.

“Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes will help prevent common problems like shin splints and plantar fasciitis,” Pitt said, adding that she herself always travels with a comfortable pair of running sneakers.

These walking shoes by Orthofeet came previously recommended to us by a podiatrist and we think are a great footwear option for travel thanks to the no-tie design. According to the brand, they feature “unmatched cushioning,” a premium orthotic insole and arch booster, which can help with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and more. They come in up to four colors and sizing for both men (7-14) and women (5-12), with wide and extra wide options available.

“My must-haves include my comfy Crocs,” Pitt said of these incredibly popular and (if not slightly polarizing) versatile clogs. They are lightweight, flexible and fast-drying and have a ribbed, contoured footbed for moderate support. You can find these in unisex sizing and a near endless selection of colors.

Nearly all of our experts claimed to carry sun protection in the form of sunscreen. This particular stick sunscreen was previously recommended to HuffPost by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Young of Hackensack University Medical Center. It’s an instant-dry solid with SPF50 that utilizes zinc oxide (a dermatologist favorite for sun protection) and contains vitamin E for added antioxidant benefits. It’s also non-greasy, smooth and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Plus, the solid formula means it’s easy to travel with and TSA-approved.

Dr. Carla Chonillo, a primary care physician with Teladoc Health, said she always travels with compression socks — an unsurprising suggestion considering how helpful they can be for preventing leg swelling and improving circulation while flying.

The recipient of over 57,400 5-star Amazon ratings, these knee-high socks are made with an athletic knit fabric and have targeted compressive support on the heel, foot and calf to avoid squeezing your joints. Their compression level is 20-30 mmHg, and you can get them in three different sizes.

“I bring my Mini Beast blender so I can make my morning smoothies and I make sure I have my protein powder to make a full breakfast smoothie, which I mix with fruit and vegetables from the grocery store,” Cohen said.

This single-serve blender uses a space-conscious base that’s powered by a 600-watt motor and uses a single-button operation that intuitively sets its blending cycles thanks to the intelligent-sensing blade. The mini version of the Beast comes in five display-worthy colors, one vessel that transforms from blender to travel cup and two drinking lids.