Top Ten Cold and Flu Products No Home Should Be Without

Every winter season we are fighting the dreaded flu and cold bugs. Since we are indoors more often presumably with many others who are fighting the same germs, it helps to know what over the counter products absolutely work and have a proven track record to save you time and money. Here are my picks for the ten best health related products on the market today which can help fight everything from influenza to skin rash.

l. Tide Free. Dermatologist tested and free from any perfumes and dyes, this product is perfect for cleaning laundry that you want clean and germ-free, but still gentle to your body. It comes in the white container and the liquid melts into the wash water better than powders.

2. Dove Moisturizing Pump Soap. Dove has a long history of being gentle on skin. The moisturizers help to keep winter hands and body soft and is sanitary when purchased in the hand-pump dispenser. The product contains cleansing cream, but is also sold in varieties that are fragrance free and gentler on the skin.

3. Kleenex Anti-Viral/Bacteria Tissues. These little miracles are worth their weight in gold. You can see the little blue dots of anti-viral material hidden within each tissue. They do not contain any irritating lotions or fibers and the anti-bacterial qualities do absolutely work.

4. Lysol Anti-Bacterial Spray for Kitchen and/or Bathroom. Lysol has been around for years and does the job. Simply spray on and wipe-off. The kitchen product kills listeria, staph, E-coli and Herpes Viruses.

5. Bayer Aspirin. You have heard the wonders of Bayer on television and they are all true, or they could not under new guidelines advertise it that way. It not only reduces fevers and eases minor joint pains, but can effectively reduce the risk of heart attack because it helps move the blood through arteries better.

6. Orange Juice. Taking Vitamin C tablets is a good idea, but nothing matches the immune-boosting qualities of a dose of fresh squeezed orange juice. If you include the pulp, you are also getting needed fiber. Some frozen and bottled orange juices even include an extra dose of calcium.

7. Other Foods: Apples/Chicken Soup/Oatmeal. Remember the old wive's tale, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"? It is true. Apples provide several needed vitamins and minerals to help boost one's immune system effectively. Chicken soup is not only good for the soul, but has a proven track record for easing one's body of aches and pains. It is best if home-made, but if you do buy the canned or packaged, watch out for sodium.
Also, nothing tastes so good as a hot steaming bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter morning. There are several varieties from whole old-fashioned oats to instant packages that include brown sugar and other tasty treats. Oatmeal acts as a natural sponge in the body and helps absorb all that bad cholesterol. Oat based products like Cheerios are also a good option, if you are looking for something more crunchy.

8. Neosporin Ointment. The little tiny tube of antibacterial goo is literally life-saving. It is for external use only and can work effectively on rashes, bacterias and fungi of all kinds. Be sure to wash hands thoroughly after use if you have children and pets. It comes in a little container, because that will be all you will need, since the product has been around for years and works with immediate results.

9. A New Tooth Brush. You would be amazed at how many people forget to simply replace their toothbrush. Like well-worn shoes, we get accustomed to that soft worn-out brush, forgetting that over time it can accumulate a lot of germs. My guess is with the popular use of electronic toothbrushes, replacement brushes are not being changed as often as they should. Ditto for that old gummy toothpaste container and brush holder.

10. Wet-Ones/Antibacterial. Made popular by the USA Network's favorite obsessive/compulsive detective "Monk" who has to have these little wonders literally rationed out by his nurse, Wet-Ones are an absolute necessity if you have children and/or pets. They come in easy to carry pocket containers that can be used in the car and easy dispensers for at home. The antibacterial Wet-Ones do a good job of ridding your hands of germs quickly when you are not near soap and water. These are a must for travelers and are now being offered on planes and trains, so ask for them, if you forgot to bring your own from home.