The only thing worse than bitter cold and harsh winds is succumbing to a cold or the flu on top of it. Unfortunately, many people will be laid up with symptoms ranging from mild

to severe during the winter months. Some may even wind up being treated by doctors or need to be hospitalized. Then, along with everything else, the medical bills come flying in. There is hope. Here are several affordable prevention and treatment tips for beating the cold and flu season without punishing your wallet.

Practical Prevention Tips

• Keep Hands Germ-Free. Wash your hands when returning from a public place, such as a grocery store, before preparing food and after exposure to a sick person. 
• Switch to Paper Towels. Change to paper towels in the kitchen and the bathroom during cold and flu season. Use paper towels to dry hands and face, as well as to open refrigerator and kitchen cabinet doors. This will prevent the spread of germs within the household, especially if you have a sick family member.
• Get Adequate Sleep. After the chaos of the holidays, it’s important to get back to your regular sleep routine to ensure maximum protection against illnesses. During sleep, your body heals and rejuvenates itself, including the immune system. Experts advise getting between seven and nine hours of restful sleep each night.

Effective Treatments*

• Take Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar creates an alkaline environment within the body, which is hostile to viruses. To heal faster from a cold or the flu, take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water twice every day at the first sign of infection.
• Flush Ears With Hydrogen Peroxide. The ear canal leads into the entire respiratory tract. Hydrogen peroxide can kill the viruses that cause colds, sinus infections and some flu symptoms. It’s helpful to flush the ears with hydrogen peroxide to cut short your cold or flu. Use a dropper to insert the hydrogen peroxide in the ear as you lie on your side. Let “bubble” for 10 minutes, then drain by tilting your head and ear into a clean cloth. Repeat with the other ear.
• Soak With Eucalyptus Oil. Eucalyptus essential oil can help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with colds and the flu. Clear blocked sinuses by soaking in a warm tub with several drops of eucalyptus oil. Relieve headache and body aches and pains by making a warm compress with three or four drops of eucalyptus oil on the side facing the skin.
• Flood Your Body With Nutrients. Your body uses nutrients to combat the viruses that lead to colds and the flu. Make an effort to ensure that every bite you take is loaded with as many nutrients as possible. This is especially important when your appetite wanes from sickness. Green juices and fruit smoothies deliver potent doses of micro-nutrients and vitamin C.

You don’t need to take out a loan to beat the cold and flu season. Use these natural and inexpensive tips to prevent sickness and get healthy faster.

*Health conditions vary by person. Check with your doctor to ensure these treatments are safe for you.