The 25 Best Products for Cold and Flu Season, From Thermometers to Cozy Comforts

This no-touch digital thermometer is especially helpful when caring for a baby, toddler, or anyone who isn’t feeling well. Instead of placing the thermometer in the mouth or under the arm, simply hold it about an inch away from the center of the forehead and press a single button. The reading appears in about a second, on a large, easy-to-read LED screen. It runs on two AAA batteries and comes in white or black. Just keep in mind that, as with all noncontact thermometers, following the instructions on distance and placement can improve accuracy.

If you want to make an instant best friend, hand a child a lollipop. When the children you love aren’t feeling well, a fun way to provide temporary symptom relief is to give them a sore throat pop. Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Pops for Kids are made with honey, which can be an effective remedy for a sore throat. They’re available in a variety of flavors, giving kids a choice in their treatment. The pops can help soothe irritation caused by viruses and winter allergies, with greater enjoyment than a spoonful of a more typical symptom-relief medicine.

If you’ve got kids, odds are you’ve probably spent plenty of time fishing toys out of not-so-clean places — the floor of your car, cluttered toy bins, and, of course, their mouths. CleanSmart Toy Disinfectant is a gentle, no-rinse spray that helps clean and sanitize any germy toys or surfaces your babies and toddlers play with and on. CleanSmart has only three ingredients: ionized water, salt, and hypochlorous acid, which mimics the way our immune system naturally fights germs. It’s also registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), meaning it has been tested and shown to kill common bacteria and viruses.

It can be hard to prioritize self-care, and sometimes, when you know someone hasn’t been well, you want to send them something to encourage them to take time to rest. Whispering Willow’s Tranquility Gift Box is an excellent choice. It comes with linen spray, hand and cuticle salve, body oil, and an eye pillow to help you drift off to sleep. Everything is lavender-scented to promote relaxation, and the products included are full-size, which is not always the case with gift boxes. “This is a great self-care package,” says editorial director Simone Scully. “I might send it to a friend who is stressed or would just generally like the items included.”

Nothing soothes a sore throat like a cup of tea. Nepal Tea Collective shares an amazing combination of teas for every season and mood. The company’s commitment to fresh, organic ingredients makes it worth the price tag. Editor Olivia Campbell described this as her favorite tea: “I have been searching for a decent chai. I dislike most of the bagged grocery store brands I've tried. They don't taste spicy enough. This chai, on the other hand, is incredible. It's spicy, peppery, and perfect. It's an amazing blend of spices without the weird flavors of the other brands I've tried.”

Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion Nasal Spray contains oxymetazoline, a decongestant that may help temporarily relieve a stuffy nose. It’s safe for children ages 6 and up and for adults, and its nondrowsy formula won’t make you feel sleepy. The bottle is small and compact, so it’s easy to keep in a coat pocket or purse, and its “no-drip” design helps the spray stay where it’s applied, minimizing drips and mess.

When using it, some people may notice a brief stinging sensation, but it typically fades quickly, and the cooling menthol offers soothing relief and helps you feel like you can breathe again. It’s important to note that the manufacturer states you should not use this product for more than three days in a row, as it can make you more congested or lead to long-term dependence on the spray.

A pulse oximeter provides important health information — your oxygen saturation and heart rate — simply by placing it on your finger. If you’re having difficulty breathing or are in respiratory distress, the AccuMed Pulse Oximeter can help you decide if you need to reach out to your doctor or go to the emergency room.

The formula is unscented, which can be helpful for people who are sensitive to fragrances. Editor Katie Tuttle likes that this product is unscented, easy to apply, and not runny. “This lip balm definitely delivers,” she says. “I have very dry skin, and my lips peel, especially at the corners, if I don’t apply balm or moisturizer regularly. My lips were smooth and flake-free whenever I used this.”

Frequent handwashing can dry out the skin, and for people with eczema, that dryness may increase the risk of flares, rashes, and skin cracking. This hand soap is recommended for sensitive or easily irritated skin because it’s fragrance- and dye-free, hypoallergenic, and contains aloe, which moisturizes and helps heal skin. It supports healthy skin and regular handwashing, which is important for preventing illness.

One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, including viruses and bacteria, is to limit close contact with others. When that isn’t an option, having a stash of disposable face masks on hand can help. Keegan shared that KN95 and N95 masks can be effective in stopping the spread of disease because, when worn properly, they can create a seal that minimizes transmission. To wear a mask properly, follow these guidelines: wash your hands before putting on a mask; only touch the bands or ties, not the mask itself; and ensure the mask covers your nose, mouth, and chin. These masks come in 10 colors and are individually wrapped.

“N95 masks are more protective than standard or cloth masks, but any mask provides some degree of protection,” says Goldberg.

Hand sanitizer is a must-have when illnesses are going around, and this spray-on option comes in scents like bergamot, lavandula, eucalyptus, and orange-coriander. The slim container fits easily in a gym bag, purse, or pocket, and it dries quickly without feeling sticky. It’s also refillable, so you can reuse the container again, rather than replacing it each time you run out.

We loved how portable this product is. “Noshinku's Pocket Sprayer hand sanitizer comes in slim, rectangular bottles that are easy to slide into your purse, gym bag, or pocket,” says Tuttle. Although she noted that it left her hands a bit dry, she liked that it dried quickly and smelled great.

This vegan hand soap is made with 98 percent natural ingredients and uses oat and grapeseed oils to moisturize as it cleans. It’s also verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which means it meets standards for full ingredient disclosure and rigorous health and safety requirements. Since it is free of preservatives and dyes, it is less likely to cause skin irritation, which can flare up during periods when we need to wash our hands more often. Additionally, it’s available in various scents, including argan oil and chamomile, and a fragrance-free formula is also available.

Air quality has a real impact on your health and well-being, and the Coway Airmega 350 is a smart option for improving it at home. It’s adjustable, and we love that it has a built-in sensor to measure the current air quality in your home. It’s also quick to set up, and the filter is easy to clean. Editor Nicole Bonaccorso found that this definitely helped the air quality in her home: “I notice a difference in breathing and allergies when this air purifier is running,” she says, adding “The air just seems generally lighter and easier to breathe.”

When you are trying to avoid getting sick, portable wipes are essential. Not only can you use them to sanitize your hands, but you can also wipe down your phone, purse, door handles, or anything else you come into contact with. Noshinku wipes are packaged in a small, portable, resealable container, and we love that they don’t leave a film or sticky feeling behind after use.

These wipes come in a variety of scents, which come from essential oils in the formula (no artificial fragrances). “Noshinku uses essential oils instead of artificial fragrances; these claims aside, they put a lot of thought into their scents, which is a nice change of pace from the high-octane alcohol-forward scents most sanitizers have,” says Tuttle.