This post probably contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
With Fall here and Winter fast approaching, flu season is upon us. With that being said, there are some important things to keep in your car to stay prepared for flu season this year.
Think about it.
At school your kids are in constant contact with hundreds of other kids. Sharing the same desks, lunch table and swapping mechanical pencils with their friends almost guarantees the swap of germs, as well.
As moms, we are in and out of the car daily with our kids. Going to school, going to baseball practice or gymnastics, or headed to the grocery store to pick up something for a quick dinner recipe you found on Pinterest.
(By the way, I have a great Pinterest board for Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes. Check out this board and follow my Pinterest account HERE!)
So, how do you keep your car germ-free and prevent carrying those cold and flu season germs home with you?
How do you protect your kids from the flu while traveling? And, how do you stay prepared for cold symptoms when they hit your kids in the car?
(This post contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.)
Survive flu season and stay healthy while traveling with these flu season essentials to keep in your car.
9 Things to Keep in Your Car During Flu Season
Some of these items might seem small and insignificant. BUT, they will reduce the spread of germs, boost immunity, and make clean-up a breeze, which makes them so worth it!
Disinfectant Wipes
These Lysol Disinfectant Wipes are the easiest way to rid your car off germs. You can keep them in your car and grab one as needed. Unlike disinfectant sprays, which are aerosols and a big no-no to leave in your car due to flammability risk.
Facial Tissues
Facial tissue is a must-have item to keep in your car during cold and flu season. You can buy the small packs that are just the right size for your purse. But, I like to keep a box in the car. They’re easier for the kids to just grab one quickly when they feel a sneeze coming on or have a dripping nose. I found this great deal on Amazon (because I’m an Amazon junkie), and I’m sure we will use every last tissue this year. If you want to check out the great price, you can do that HERE.
Cough Drops & Lozenges
You really never know when your child is going to complain about a scratchy throat. Having cough drops or lozenges handy has been a life saver for me when my kids get whiny about their dry throat. And, of course, they love the Luden’s Throat Drops. They just taste so much like candy. You can’t go wrong grabbing a bag of these Wild Cherry Throat Drops.
Baby Wipes
Ah, baby wipes. After having three kids, there is something important I have learned about baby wipes. Are you ready? They are VERY UNIVERSAL. They shouldn’t just be called baby wipes. I suggest we call them the Everything You Can Imagine Clean Up Wipes. But, I think Huggies has done a great job with the name for their All Over Clean wipes. They are great for wiping faces, hands, and cleaning up the mess when your child leaves their sticky lozenges paper in the cup holder. You can get a great deal on this pack of 4 Pure Baby wipes. (My favorite!)
Hand Sanitizer
We can’t always wash our hands when we want or need to. When you are running out of work or picking up the kids from school, it’s good to have this handy. As soon as the kids jump in the car after school, I have them grab the bottle and disinfect those dirty hands of theirs.
Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand & Face Wipes
These Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand and Face Wipes are great! I only found them recently. I never knew they had antibacterial wipes that were safe for your face. Imagine my surprise when I found these. Kid sneezed in his hands? Kill two birds with one stone with these Wet Ones!
Water Bottles
Bottled water is another one of those useful things to keep in your car during those cold months. Staying hydrated is a great way to protect yourself during flu season. I’m usually running so fast trying to make sure the kids are ready, that I have every bag needed for the day and I actually get everyone in the car, that I forget to hydrate. And, it seems that the kids somehow always get thirsty when we are pulling out of the driveway. These short, 8 oz. bottles are great to keep in your car. It’s just enough to make sure they drink it all and don’t leave half empty bottles rolling around in the back of my car.
High Protein Snacks
Keeping your body fueled with nutritious foods will ensure you stay energized and protect your body by keeping your immune system up. These Kellogg’s Meal Bars are easy to grab and go and will keep you going until your next meal. If you have kids, you should try these Clif protein bars for kids. They don’t even know they’re getting anything “healthy” because it tastes so good.
Essential Oil Car Diffuser
Essential oils are a great, natural way to boost your immune system. And now, you can use them in your car! I am a big fan of essential oils for their natural healing qualities. If you could boost your kids’ immunity every morning before they head to school, wouldn’t you do it? Laura has a great essential oil recipe for healthy immune support here. You should check out these awesome car diffusers over on Amazon!
So, let’s recap…
What Are The Essential Things to Keep In Your Car During Flu Season?
In my house, mornings can be a little crazy sometimes. If someone has a scratchy throat, I don’t always think to grab them a throat lozenge or a bottle of water on the way out the door.
If a child has a snotty nose in the car, you can’t just turn around and go back home to clean them up before school. (Especially when you are already late.)
So, it’s important to keep disinfectant, tissues, sanitizers, immune support and energy boosting items in your car.
By having these things in your car when you need them, you are saving yourself a lot of time and frustration. And, hopefully, keeping yourself and your kids safe from the flu.
One thing that has helped me to stay organized and keep these things handy in the car has been this great car organizer. I can keep everything in it, and it is easily accessible for the kids. If you need something to keep you organized in the car, check it out here.
Related Post: Toddler Won’t Take Medicine? 7 Things You Can Try Now
Do you have anything that you consider a necessity to keep in your car? Let me know in the comments below.
Jillian, what a great idea to have these products ready to clean hands as soon as the kids get in the car after school! #HearthAndSoul
Thank you, Jean! Glad you liked it. Having these things readily available during flu season is a life saver. ~Jillian
These are great tips. I love the car diffuser idea. Not only is this great for flu season, but helping to destress during long car trips. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.
Thank you! You are absolutely right, Rhonda. I keep one by my bed to use as a de-stressor in the evenings.
Congratulations! You won the Inspire Me Monday Linky Party! You’ll be featured on my site tomorrow.
Janice, your linky party hostess
Thank you, Janice! I love participating in the Inspire Me Monday Link Parties.
I told my granddaughter about your post & to come check it out. She’s only 20 & she’s pregnant you know, starting a family. You have some great suggestions here and I knew she would learn from it…… Well, I hope so anyway! ~hehe~ You know how young adults are. Thank you so much for sharing! Great job!
Thanks, Marie! When I first became a mom, I was super young myself. I remember being almost completely clueless and relying on motherly instinct. I was lucky to have close family, as your granddaughter is lucky to have you. ~Jillian
I too have a car diffuser. It helps a lot. #trafficjam