The Ultimate Flu Season Survival Kit

The world can feel like a very scary place during flu season. Armed with only bleach wipes and hand sanitizer, you may glare daggers when strangers sneeze in your kids’ direction, or look at people in horror if they think you are actually going to shake their hand.

I don’t believe that anybody washes their hands like they should, so I’ve been known to yell “people put their poop hands on that!” at my children when they touch any public surface. Or just, “POOP HANDS!” for short.

Yes, I’m that lady yelling poop hands in Target.

No matter what precautions you take, the flu shots, the cart wipes, the vats of Purell – kids are disgusting little germ magnets and the flu can happen even to the vigilant.

If it happens to you, here are some things that will help you get through this year’s flu season.

1. Snuggie

You probably won’t be looking as happy as this lady does, but at least you’ll be warm when those feverish chills seep into your bones.

2. Owlet monitor

If you’ve got a little one, this is the peace of mind you need in order to get some sleep yourself. This monitor tracks your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels so that you don’t have to stand over them like a creeper all night.

3. This face mask

Really, you can use this sleep mask for any old occasion. But I think if you wear it when you have the flu, it’s especially fitting.

4. Chicken noodle soup

Because your mom (probably) doesn’t live with you anymore.

5. Lip balm

For those cracked and peeling lips. If you care about them between all the barfing.

6. Kinsa thermometer

So you can keep obsessively monitoring everyone’s temperature like I do.

7. Camelbak hydration system

It’s super important to stay hydrated while you have the flu. And you can use this so you don’t have to get up.

8. Rubber gloves

I think I’m just going to start wearing these from October to March from now on.

9.Poop pajamas

I mean if you feel like shit, you might as well look like shit.

10. This tea to make yourself feel better.

I don’t know if this works or not, but it’s clever.

11. This mug for all of that tea you will be drinking.

You can wear your “fuck off” eye mask and drink from a “nope” cup just so everyone is super sure how you feel about being sick.

12. A shit ton of Kleenex

Buy all the Kleenex. You’re going to need it.

13. Antibacterial wipes

Get this stuff in bulk. I was once the sole person in my family that didn’t have the flu and I wiped every surface with these things about ten times.

I didn’t get the flu, just sayin’.

14. Books on tape

Because your eyes are too tired to read or look at the TV-maybe you can lull yourself into a better place with some audiobooks.

15. Cool Mist Humidifier

The air is dry and filled with nastiness so pump in some cool fresh air with this humidifier.

16. Gas Mask

And here you go — this is for if you’re really serious about avoiding the flu virus. I think that with this, my rubber gloves, a pocket full of antibacterial wipes, I’m going to be all set going into public for the next couple of months. Don’t judge.

Good luck out there, thankfully Spring is just around the corner. Let’s all keep ourselves and our families safe from these nasty viruses that are going around in the meantime. And if I hear you yelling “poop hands” in aisle ten I’ll give you a long-distance fist bump in solidarity.

In some cases, editors have received free product for review. Opinions/thoughts are our own. Always.