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Sick with the flu, a cold or COVID? Here are 25 essentials to have at home

Soothe symptoms of the cold, flu or COVID-19 with these must-have products
Soothe symptoms of the cold, flu or COVID-19 with these must-have products

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It seems like we all know someone who is sick with a virus or cold right now. Between the contagious omicron variant of COVID-19, a stronger flu season than last year, the common cold and more, there are illnesses aplenty going around. And yes, co-infections like "flurona" (having COVID-19 and the flu at the same time) are possible, too.

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With the ongoing presence of COVID-19, feeling flu-like symptoms can induce feelings of anxiety over what sickness you may actually have (this fact sheet from the CDC can help). COVID-19—especially the omicron variant—can often present similar symptoms to the flu and the common cold such as fever, cough, muscle or body aches and tiredness. For this reason, if you're feeling sick, it's best to follow CDC guidelines and get tested if you have been or suspect you've been exposed to COVID-19.

►Related: Fact check: Influenza virus is still active, hasn't 'disappeared'

If you haven't already, now is the time to buy cold and flu supplies in case you or someone in your household gets sick. Essentials like humidifers and eye masks can help soothe your symptoms and make you more comfortable when you're sick, but you should always consult your medical provider for treating your symptoms. Here are 25 essentials that are good to have at home in case you or other house members get sick.

1. A thermometer to monitor your fever

A thermometer to monitor your fever
A thermometer to monitor your fever

During cold and flu season, it can be hard to gauge how sick you really are—or what you have. A thermometer can help you there. This thermometer by iHealth has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon out of thousands and thousands of reviews. It's a no-touch forehead thermometer fit for adults and children (even babies) alike, which is why reviewers like it so much. If you want a classic oral thermometer, this one by Femometer is highly rated because of its reliability, ease of use and lower price tag.

2. A humidifier to help ease your symptoms

The Honeywell Filter Free Warm Moisture Humidifier is best for medium-sized rooms.
The Honeywell Filter Free Warm Moisture Humidifier is best for medium-sized rooms.

Cold, dry weather and blustery winds in the winter can suck all the moisture from your skin, lips and sinuses. To combat these less-than-pleasant symptoms, a quality warm mist humidifier like the Honeywell HWM705B—which scored high in our lab testing—can bring great relief. This humidifier can help return moisture to your home, and in the process, soothe sore throats and dry noses. When it comes to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically recommends humidifiers to ease symptoms.

Get the Honeywell HWM-705B Humidifier at Amazon for $34.99

3. An electric kettle to brew soothing tea in a jiffy

An electric kettle to brew soothing tea in a jiffy
An electric kettle to brew soothing tea in a jiffy

When you're sick, a hot cup of chamomile tea can go a long way. In order to brew it up quickly so you can get back under the covers, you'll need an efficient electric kettle. This one by Cuisinart is our absolute favorite and has the fastest boiling time out of all the models we tested. If you're trying to live a more frugal lifestyle, you can opt for our favorite budget pick by Hamilton Beach. It's less expensive but still performs like a high-end electric kettle.

4. An air purifier to keep the air in your home clean

We've tested plenty of air purifiers and found that the Winix 5500-2 is the best air purifier for most people.
We've tested plenty of air purifiers and found that the Winix 5500-2 is the best air purifier for most people.

While an air purifier alone is not enough to protect you or others from COVID-19, when used in combination with other CDC-recommended safety measures, air filtration can be used as an extra part of the plan to reduce transmission. Plus, air purifiers can remove particles and pollutants that can trigger allergy symptoms or lead to negative long-term health effects, making them a great investment for the home. The Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier is the best air purifier we've ever tested for its intuitive controls, ability to easily move around the house and powerful filtration against potent fumes like cigarette smoke.

Get the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier from The Home Depot for $164.79

5. A few N95 masks to protect others in your household

N95 masks are the gold standard when it comes to mask protection.
N95 masks are the gold standard when it comes to mask protection.

If you're sick with the flu or COVID-19 but members of your household aren't, be sure to wear a mask around them to prevent the spread. Experts are calling for the use of more protective masks like N95 or KN95 masks to help protect you and others around you from contagious variants like omicron. Right now, N95s are easy to find on online sites and at major retailers, so now is the time to stock up on a pack of masks.

6. A pulse oximeter to monitor COVID symptoms

The Zacurate oximeter fits comfortably over fingers of most sizes.
The Zacurate oximeter fits comfortably over fingers of most sizes.

To help monitor COVID-19 symptoms for yourself or a family member, you may consider getting a pulse oximeter. These medical devices attach to the finger to measure oxygen saturation in the blood, which experts believe can be a gauge for reduced lung capacity, a common symptom of the coronavirus. Oxygen saturation below 90 percent is considered hypoxic, according to Mayo Clinic, meaning there is a lower level of oxygen than is needed in the blood and may require medical attention. Though it's not necessary for everyone, it could help give you peace of mind.

Get the Zacurate Fingertip Oximeter from Amazon for $19.95

7. An at-home COVID-19 test to determine or rule out a COVID-19 infection

At home COVID-19 tests are quickly selling out—but major retailers are replenishing them as soon as possible.
At home COVID-19 tests are quickly selling out—but major retailers are replenishing them as soon as possible.

Symptoms of the flu, COVID-19 and the common cold can overlap, so if you're feeling sick, it's a good idea to get tested for COVID-19. At-home COVID-19 tests are a convenient way to get tested and can give you results in as little as 15 minutes. Right now, home COVID-19 tests can be hard to find due to high demand, but many major retailers like CVS are working to restock tests as quickly as possible. If you can, buy a couple of at-home test kits to have on hand before you get sick so you can have them accessible when necessary.

8. A cozy comforter to help you rest

A cozy comforter to help you rest
A cozy comforter to help you rest

Sometimes the only thing you can do to fight off illness is to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids—A.K.A. spending a lot of time in bed. If you want your bed to be extra comfortable and cozy, this LinenSpa comforter should do the trick. It's our favorite affordable option too, so it won't cost you a pretty penny.

Get the Linenspa All-Season Down Alternative Quilted Comforter (Full) at Amazon for $36.99

9. A water bottle to keep you hydrated

A water bottle to keep you hydrated
A water bottle to keep you hydrated

Staying hydrated is key when you come down with an illness. Drinking water helps flush toxins through your system and makes you feel better if you're losing liquids or feeling dehydrated. A water bottle can help keep the liquids flowing. This Brita water bottle is the best we've ever tested because it's inexpensive, lightweight and comes equipped with a filter for premium taste and a straw that is great for when you're sick and don't feel like moving a muscle. Plus, the stainless steel keeps your water cold for 24 hours straight. Not too shabby.

Get the Brita Stainless Steel Filtering Water Bottle at Amazon for $25.20

10. A blender to make a nutritious smoothie

A blender to make a nutritious smoothie
A blender to make a nutritious smoothie

Along with all the other annoying flu symptoms, loss of appetite can drain you of energy and make you feel even worse. While you may not be able to stomach eating some soup or crackers, a simple smoothie can be easy to keep down and give you the nutrients and vitamins you need to start feeling better. To whip one up, we recommend the Instant Ace Nova Blender, which is the best affordable blender we've ever tried, as it can crush ice, and blend fruits and veggies like a breeze. For a less expensive option, we've deemed this Magic Bullet blender the best personal blender for smoothies and it's a third of the price.

11. A way to block out distracting noises for a good night's sleep

A way to block out distracting noises for a good night's sleep
A way to block out distracting noises for a good night's sleep

One of the worst things when you're sick (or perfectly healthy, to be honest) is not being able to fall asleep. There always seems to be something distracting happening around you like the sound of your own runny nose, so it’s good to have some earplugs lying around. The Hearos Xtreme are the best pair of earplugs we've tried, as they strike the perfect balance between blocking sound while still being ultra-comfortable. If you don't love having earplugs in your ears, a noisemaker can block out distracting noises for a peaceful sleep.

12. Soft tissues to ease your nose discomfort

Soft tissues to ease your nose discomfort
Soft tissues to ease your nose discomfort

The only thing worse than having the sniffles is using harsh toilet paper to blow your nose when you inevitably run out of tissues. If you don't want to run to the store (or can't because you're quarantining), we recommend stocking up on Puffs Ultra Soft tissues, our favorite tissues because of how soft yet durable they are.

Get the Puffs Ultra Soft Tissues (Pack of 24 Boxes) at Amazon for $46.60

13. A juicer to help you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies

A juicer to help you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies
A juicer to help you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies

People say that orange juice is good for you when you're sick (or maybe it was just Grandma, but that's neither here nor there). Sometimes that old carton of Tropicana just won't cut it. For a homemade version, this juicer by Omega will churn out high yields of some of the freshest juice you'll ever taste, which is why we named it the best juicer of 2021. While it's on the more expensive side, you'll be able to use it outside of sickness for breakfasts, brunches, and more.

For a more affordable option, this juicer by Hamilton Beach won't hurt your wallet as much. While we haven't tested it ourselves, it has over 7,000 positive reviews on Amazon and holds a 4.5-star rating.

14. A pressure cooker to make fast and hearty meals

A pressure cooker to make fast and hearty meals
A pressure cooker to make fast and hearty meals

A little chicken soup is always the best medicine. A pressure cooker makes it easy to throw all the ingredients in a pot and hop back in bed, and best of all, it'll be done before you know it. This model by Crock-Pot is our favorite affordable pressure cooker, as we loved the user-friendly presets and how easy it was to clean. For a more advanced (and more expensive) option, we dubbed the Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 the absolute best because it has more than 16 high-performing cooking programs and a great interface.

15. An eye mask to get some shut-eye during the day

An eye mask to get some shut-eye during the day
An eye mask to get some shut-eye during the day

If you want to beat your sickness this winter, getting some shut-eye during the day will be one of the best remedies. Sunlight can make it incredibly hard to take a nap, which is where this Nidra Eye Mask comes in handy. After testing it, we found it to be the best contoured sleep mask because it stays put all night long and leaves some space for your eyes so they aren't pressed against the fabric.

Get the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask at Amazon for $10.99

16. Epsom salts to help you relax and unwind

Soothe yourself to sleep with Epsom salts
Soothe yourself to sleep with Epsom salts

Warm baths and Epsom salts aren't just for when you want to treat yourself—they're both great for soothing a sore and tired body. Epsom salts can help alleviate stress and promote sleep, potentially giving you a better night's sleep after a day of fighting off an illness. They've also been shown to boost athletic performance, leading some to believe that Epsom salts can help facilitate muscle recovery as well. Reviewers rave over the Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Bath Soaking Solution—with a 4.8 rating on Amazon, these soothing salts can help you relax and assist you on your road to recovery.

Get the Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Bath Soaking Solution (Pack of 3 Bags) at Amazon for $15.99

17. A slow cooker to set-it-and-forget-it

A slow cooker to set-it-and-forget-it
A slow cooker to set-it-and-forget-it

Nobody has time to cook a full-blown meal when they're under the weather, so a kitchen gadget that allows you to set it and forget it while you take a nap is more than ideal. We love this Crock-Pot for that exact purpose and rated it the best affordable slow cooker because of how well it performed in all our tests, making it well on-par with higher-end models. If you feel like splurging, our number one slow cooker is this 3-in-1 multi-cooker model by Cuisinart that can saute and steam food, in addition to offering great performance.

18. A space heater to keep you nice and toasty

A space heater to keep you nice and toasty
A space heater to keep you nice and toasty

Cold nights while you're sick can be especially brutal. If you don't want to jack up your thermostat and gas bill, a space heater can help solve your drafty woes when used safely. This one by De'Longhi is our favorite space heater we tested because it was the fastest at making rooms super toasty, and was incredibly easy to lift and transport. For a budget option, we recommend this one from Lasko because while it doesn't have as much versatility as our top pick, it still gets the job done.

19. An essential oil diffuser for relaxation and healing

An essential oil diffuser for relaxation and healing
An essential oil diffuser for relaxation and healing

Having a stuffed-up nose means you can't smell very much of anything, but a diffuser may be able to help with that. Not only do they add some extra moisture to your room, but depending on the oil you choose, such as eucalyptus and lavender, they may help clear your sinuses or make it easier to fall asleep. This one by Airomé is the best essential oil diffuser we tested because it's aesthetically pleasing, quiet, and easy to operate and clean.

Get the Airomé Serenity Medium Diffuser at The Home Depot for $29.97

20. A heating pad to manage pain

A heating pad to manage pain
A heating pad to manage pain

There's something magical about heating pads that can mitigate just about any pain in your body, all while keeping you cozy and warm. Just place it wherever is aching and let it go to work. For an electric one, the best we ever tested is the BodyMed Digital Moist Heating Pad. It heats fast, maintains a steady high temperature and is easy to use. For an old-fashioned microwaveable one, we prefer this one by Caylee's Creations. It's soft, machine-washable and doubles as a cold compress when you freeze it. Plus, it's less expensive than an electric one.

21. A weighted blanket to de-stress and stay warm

A weighted blanket to de-stress and stay warm
A weighted blanket to de-stress and stay warm

Weighted blankets provide a calming effect with their gentle pressure and overall coziness. And I, for one, need calmness when I'm sick because I'm a hot mess. The super-popular Gravity Blanket ranks as the best weighted blanket we've tested because it provides the perfect amount of pressure, it's easy to clean and will last you for years to come. It doesn't come cheap, so as a budget option we also love the YnM Weighted Blanket because it's cozy and well-constructed for a fraction of the price.

22. Hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread

Hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread
Hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread

Repeat after me: wash your hands. Many people sneeze or cough onto surfaces that other people then touch, and then touch their own faces before washing them, spreading many germs. To prevent that from happening, you can use soap and water for 20 seconds, or you can use hand sanitizer to kill germs if you're in a pickle. Despite a shortage last year, you can now find some readily available online.

Get Germ-X Hand Sanitizer (Pack of 12) on Amazon for $25.99

23. Disinfecting wipes to keep surfaces free of germs

Keep germs from spreading through surfaces with disinfecting wipes
Keep germs from spreading through surfaces with disinfecting wipes

While COVID-19 is top of mind for folks, disinfecting wipes can also eliminate other viruses, bacteria and allergens from surfaces around your home. No matter if it's the flu, a cold or COVID-19, wiping down high-touch surfaces around the home can help to prevent spreading germs to other household members. Be sure to properly wipe down surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.

Get Lysol Disinfecting Wipes at Amazon for $4.16

24. A hand cream to soothe dry skin

Keep care of your dry hands with a moisturizing hand cream
Keep care of your dry hands with a moisturizing hand cream

The dryness of winter can do a number on your skin, especially in conjunction with the constant use of hand sanitizer. Keep a hand cream on your bedside table to apply in the mornings, evenings or whenever deemed necessary by your dry hands. We've tested plenty of hand creams and found the Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve to be the best overall choice for an ultra-moisturizing and quick-absorbing lotion that'll keep your hands feeling soft and hydrated well throughout the day.

Get the Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve at Amazon for $24.50

25. An electric blanket to keep you cozy when the chills hit

Stay warm and cozy—especially during cold winter days—with an electric blanket.
Stay warm and cozy—especially during cold winter days—with an electric blanket.

For when you're feeling any chills, a heated electric blanket is a must-have—and can be used throughout the winter even when you aren't sick. Although our best overall choice for an electric blanket isn't available, this well-loved heated blanket by Bedsure has over 3,500 glowing 5-star reviews and reviewers rave over the soft material and durable build.

Get the Bedsure Heated Blanket from Amazon for $56.99

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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: COVID-19, flu or cold: 25 essentials to ease symptoms