At ACP our wish for you is a healthy new year. And whether you’re trying to ward off catching the bug going around the school or office or you’re already feeling under the weather, we’ve got some top recommendations for finding relief.

Sinus Rinses: Nasal and sinus irrigation has been around for thousands of years and many of us probably didn’t think much about it until Dr. Oz demonstrated the Neti Pot on Oprah a while back. Using a saline sinus rinse can help flush out allergens, bacteria, mucus, viruses and more for a healthy preventative tool and for soothing relief when you’re suffering from a cold, congestion or sinusitis. 

Face Mask: A face mask can be really helpful, especially if you choose a mask such as the AllergyZone N95 mask which is certified by the Center for Disease Control and was a recommended mask for protection from SARS. If you saw Dancing with the Stars during this fall 2009 season when the celebs and dancers were coming down with the flu, they were wearing masks when practicing and none of the partners seemed to get sick. 

Humidifers and Steam Inhalers: If the cold and cough have started up, a humidifier and/or a steam inhaler will give you soothing relief for dry airway passages. A humidifier will help alleviate dryness in a room, whereas a steam inhaler can be good for personalized steam therapy to soothe the throat and help reduce congestion. Some steam inhalers include medicated pads to release menthol or eucalyptus vapors for added relief.   

Remember to wash hands frequently as the best way to ward off exposures to germs and viruses!