How to Stay Completely Healthy When Your Boo Has the Flu

We’re in the middle of flu season, which means playing germ-ping pong with those around you. It’s hard enough trying not to catch the bug circulating the office, but what about when your S.O. gets sick? For years, I just accepted that whenever my boyfriend got sick, I was sure to go down shortly after, and vice-versa when I would get sick.

But no more! Last year, I began implementing a series of tricks to try and fend off whatever my boyfriend would catch and so far, so good! Here are my top five tips for staying healthy when your S.O. is sick:

Disinfect!

This one is obvious. You hear it from your doctor, you hear it from television PSAs, and you read it on the sign in the bathroom. I’m that person who wipes down her phone and computer keyboard with alcohol wipes religiously, so I’m clearly a proponent of cleanliness and disinfecting. I don’t go crazy when my boyfriend is sick, but I do try to do laundry more often (including bedding and towels!) and wipe down the countertops as much as possible. Since you’re most likely not going to stop cuddling or kissing, make sure you’re more careful not to share other things, like dishes, pillows, etc.

Stock Up on Vitamin C

This isn’t going to help you if you’re already sick, but Vitamin C is great for boosting your immune system to prevent illness. Whenever I know I’m going to be exposed to tons of germs, like before boarding a flight, or when my boyfriend catches a cold, I turn to Vitamin C. I personally like the taste of the fizzy powders you add to water, like Emergen-C, but you can also increase your Vitamin C intake through things like orange juice or this amazing ginger honey lemon combo. I love to prepare this honey at the start of winter so I can make a tea from it if I feel something coming on. 

Drink Lots of Water

I’m so bad at drinking water. My boyfriend jokes that he’s a rainforest plant and I’m a cactus because he can go through literal gallons in a day while I have half a glass. But I’ve been trying to be better and I swear everything you hear about the wonders of staying hydrated is true. Drinking more water has made my skin clear up and makes me feel healthier on a daily basis. Making sure you stay hydrated is the true key to being a healthy human!

Don’t Skip the Gym

It’s tough to get yourself out and into the gym when your S.O. looks so snuggly under a blanket in front of the TV with a cup of tea, I get it. But working out can help you sweat out toxins and prevent sickness. Overall, I believe that not straying from your regular routine when those around you are sick will help keep you healthy. So get out there and sweat!

Purify the Air

Air purifiers are awesome for their ability to remove bacteria, allergens, and odors, ensuring you’re breathing nothing but fresh, clean air. They can run on the expensive side though, so if you don’t want to invest in an air purifier, you can try thieves oil. This amazing essential oil blend can kill up to 99% of bacteria! It’s a combination of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils, so it smells amazing. Just add a couple drops to an oil diffuser to clear the air and make the room smell warm and fresh.

I hope these tips and tricks will help you and/or your S.O. stay healthy this flu season. There’s nothing worse than when you’re both sick because then there’s nobody to take care of either of you! So stock up on Vitamin C, diffuse some thieves oil, and give your home a good scrub stat!

cover image via Huffpost