This is a sponsored post written for Vicks Humidifiers. I was compensated and provided complimentary products for this post. All opinions are my own.

Winter is coming. Not only is it time for sweaters, boots, and football games, it's Cold and Flu season too. A nasty virus is not something anyone wants to catch, especially during the holidays, so prevention is key. Family togetherness shouldn't have to include wiping runny noses, and I've partnered with Vicks to bring you my 6 best tips to avoid getting sick this winter.

I also have a wonderful giveaway for you. One lucky reader will win a Vicks Winter Wellness Care Package that includes a Vicks® Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier and everything else you'll need to stay well this winter! [GIVEAWAY CLOSED]

My #1 advice to combat germs is hand-washing. With two kids, I've developed a steadfast hand-washing habit over the years and it's been such a good thing. I'm always the last one to get sick, which means that I'm not spreading the germs I've picked up to my family.

#2 Make your hand lotion antibacterial.
One byproduct of regular hand-washing is dry skin. I always keep a bottle of lotion next to the sink to help keep my skin from drying out. One extra measure you can add to your arsenal is to choose a hand lotion with antibacterial properties. That way, even if you're just moisturizing your skin, you're fighting germs too.

#3 Make use of those antibacterial wipes for shopping carts.
Everyone has to grocery shop, no matter how sick they are. That means that the handles of shopping carts are likely rife with germs. The employees don't disinfect them regularly, which is why many stores put out containers of antibacterial wipes near the cart corral. Make sure to make use of these on every visit to avoid catching any bugs.

One thing I keep in constant supply is antibacterial gel. I have a bottle in the kitchen, but I also keep travel-sized bottles in my purse. This is one of my absolute "musts." It's a fact of life that we will pick up viruses from touch, but we can keep from spreading it in an instant.

#5 "Maybe some other time."
We all love to visit and be visited, but if someone is sick, it's best to avoid it, especially if you have young kids. No matter what precautions you take, if you are around someone with a cold or the flu, your chances of catching it from a sneeze or touching a surface are so much higher. Just reschedule, wish them well, and deliver some chicken soup.

#6 Use a Humidifier.



Did you know that the ideal humidity level for wellness is between 40% and 60%? You can use a Humidity Monitor to determine the levels in your home and humidify accordingly, which can reduce the survival of flu viruses on surfaces and in the air – and increase your wellness all year round.

Our humidity levels are usually fine during the summer, but winter brings on cold, dry air, dry nasal passages, and dry coughs. To help combat that, Vicks sent me a Winter Wellness Care Package stuffed with great products to help keep my family well this winter.


To help keep the humidifier clean, the Protec Humidifier Antimicrobial Cleaning Fish kills up to 99% of odor causing bacteria and helps keeps your humidifier cleaner, longer.


If you do have chest congestion, the Vicks® VapoPads fit into the humidifier to provide up to 8 hours of soothing Menthol or Sleepytime Rosemary and Lavender scented vapors.



To help monitor the levels in your home, Vicks® makes a handy Humidity Monitor. It will automatically display a room’s temperature and humidity level to help provide the information you need to control your environment.


Can you believe there is a smart thermometer now? The Vicks® SmartTemp™ Wireless Thermometer and free downloadable app makes it easy to take and track temperature readings for the entire family.


And just when you need it Puffs Plus® Lotion is the perfect tissue for when sore or runny noses need some extra softness.


You can get all of these products at Walmart. Learn more about which Vicks® Humidifier is right for you.


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What do you do to stay well in the winter? Have you ever used a humidifier? I love to read your comments!