WHEN THE FLU HiTS YOUR HOME—HERE’S HOW TO OVERCOME iT

Flu season hit us hard last week, and let me tell you—when you have a big family, it’s not just about taking care of one sick kid; it’s about managing an entire household while trying to keep yourself from getting knocked out, too.

Even though we were doing all the right things—teaching the kids to wash their hands before eating, avoiding shared drinks and snacks, and keeping up with hygiene—the flu still found its way into our home. Once it started circulating in their classrooms, it was pretty much inevitable. My son spiked the first fever-104F.

But here’s what actually helped us recover quickly and stay (somewhat) sane through it all:

1. PRiORiTiZiNG REST (MORE THAN USUAL)

When the flu hit, we shifted our focus to rest—lots of it. I’m talking about 12-16 hours of sleep a day for the kids and as much as possible for the grown-ups. Their little bodies were working overtime to fight off the virus, and I noticed that when they rested well, their fevers broke faster and their energy returned sooner. When your body is fighting off a virus, sleep is one of the best ways to help your immune system work more effectively. We cleared schedules, postponed plans, and made sure everyone got the extra rest they needed.

2. A HUMiDiFiER FOR BETTER SLEEP AND LESS CONGESTiON

One of the worst parts of the flu is the congestion, making it hard to breathe, sleep, and function. We ran a cool-mist humidifier in the bedrooms at night. It really helped with breaking up mucus and making breathing easier, especially for my kids who were coughing. Humidifiers help keep the air moist, so everyone slept better. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend getting a good-quality humidifier before flu season kicks in. We have a few, for times like these when we all need them. If you're looking for a great humidifier, these are our top picks: The kids' favorite and our go-to choice.

3. GETTING TAMiFLU ASAP

Having at-home flu/COVID tests was a game-changer. As soon as the first symptoms appeared, we tested right away and contacted our pediatrician through an e-visit. Starting Tamiflu early (within 48 hours) helped shorten the flu’s duration for some of us. The earlier you start it, the more effective it is at shortening symptoms and preventing severe illness.

4. STAYiNG HYDRATED (EVEN WHEN NO ONE FELT LiKE DRiNKiNG)

We kept a steady rotation of water, herbal teas, and broth to stay hydrated. One thing that helped especially with sore throats and overall hydration was warm water with lemon—it was soothing and gave a little extra boost of Vitamin C. When the kids didn’t feel like drinking, we gave them popsicles to sneak in extra fluids.

5. MASKS CAN SPARE SOME FAMiLY MEMBERS

Somehow, my husband managed to avoid getting sick—I’m convinced he has an immune system of steel! But I’m sure masking helped, too. We made a point to wear masks in common areas, especially once the coughing kicked in, to help contain some of the germs. We also kept the windows open and spent time outside once the fevers broke, giving us a chance to be together while limiting exposure. Still, it’s tough—sick kids just want to be held and snuggled, and no matter how careful you are, at some point, they’re going to cough straight into your face. And that, my friends, is how I got sick.

6. EXTRA iMMUNE SUPPORT: ViTAMiN C & ECHiNACEA

As soon as we knew we’d been exposed, we doubled down on our go-to immune boosters—Vitamin C (twice daily) and our tried-and-true Echinacea (four times daily). These have been part of our routine for years, and we started them immediately once the virus hit our household. While these aren’t cure-alls, they can help your body fight off the virus more effectively.

7. THE MVP: HOMEMADE CHiCKEN SOUP

Nothing beats a batch of homemade chicken soup when you’re sick. I made some earlier in the week when my son first got sick, and it lasted long enough that I had it ready when I started feeling under the weather. Having nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest food was such a relief when no one felt like cooking.

FiNAL THOUGHTS

If your family gets hit with the flu, I hope these tips help you get through it faster and with less stress.

Our whole ordeal lasted 8 days—five missed school days, two missed events—but we got the time we needed to recover and recharge. It reminded me how much of parenting is about being prepared to care for your family, whether it’s getting through flu season or welcoming a new baby. In birth and postpartum, just like in sickness and recovery, having the right support, practical tools, and a plan in place makes all the difference. That’s exactly why I created Our BirthRoom—to help parents feel ready, supported, and confident as they step into this new season of life.

Just like we prioritized rest, nourishment, and care to recover from the flu, preparing for childbirth requires intentional steps to support your body and mind. If you're serious about having a natural birth, Our BirthRoom Academy gives you the knowledge and tools to feel confident and prepared. Explore our courses and take the first step toward the birth experience you want!