Coming down with the stomach flu — or any illness for that matter — is never fun. Not only are you basically bedridden for at least a week, but you have to put up with some nasty symptoms. One of the things that may have helped you with this unpleasant illness could have included a stomach flu care package sent to you by a friend. 

Remember this the next time one of your friends or family members comes down with the flu or a stomach bug. Sending a care package is a wonderful way to not only remind them that you are thinking of them but to also help them get through this unpleasant illness. For inspiration and tips on assembling a stomach flu care package, check out these care package items now!

11 Items You Should Include in a Stomach Flu Care Package

Make sure you pack all of these items into your stomach flu care package

1. Tea

One of the most common recommendations for coping with the flu is to drink more fluids. Many people turn to tea because it helps them stay hydrated while also alleviating the typical symptoms that come with the flu. Luckily for you, there are numerous options of teas available that will help soothe a sore throat and aid with congestion. Each type of tea offers its own flavors and benefits. 

• Chamomile — This tea is perfect for alleviating flu symptoms while also helping your loved one get some rest. Its powerful anti-inflammatory agents can reduce mucus and soothe a sore throat. Because of its anti-microbial and sleep-inducing qualities, chamomile tea is also a great solution for sick patients having trouble falling asleep. 
• Peppermint — Peppermint tea offers a refreshing flavor. If your loved one is dealing with a nasty cough, peppermint tea is a great solution for them. This tea flavor contains menthol and other ingredients known for soothing a sore throat. Peppermint can also decrease body aches and inflammation. 
• Green  — Many people consider green tea to be an effective flu-fighting tool. As a powerful antioxidant, green tea can shorten the duration of the flu in infected patients. In addition to its ability to alleviate flu symptoms, green tea also offers numerous health benefits such as enhanced cognitive functions and balanced blood sugar levels. 
• Ginger — Ginger tea is a popular solution for sore throats. With its anti-inflammatory ingredients and healthy vitamins, ginger tea is also a great drink for anyone with nausea or an upset stomach. Ginger tea is also effective in clearing up congestion in your sinuses. 
• Hibiscus  — Hibiscus tea is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and iron. These ingredients are critical for strengthening the immune system and fighting off bacteria. 

2. Honey

Drinking lemon water with honey is one of the most popular methods for soothing a sore throat. This sweet ingredient’s antibacterial and antimicrobial help make it an effective treatment for a sore throat. Some people even drink honey alone to help suppress their cough. In fact, many physicians recommend using honey to remedy a sore throat before resorting to antibiotics. 

You don’t necessarily have to drink honey with tea or alone. It’s actually a pretty versatile ingredient. Some people enjoy pouring honey on top of their pancakes and waffles. Others use it as a spread for toast. 

3. Soft Tissues

Soft tissues are a must-have for almost any sickness. As you look for different tissues, make sure you are purchasing a box made from high-quality material. Thin tissues won’t do much to alleviate your friend’s congested sinuses. 

Recently, Kleenex released an Anti-Viral tissue designed to deactivate any flu or cold viruses that fall into them from a cough or a sneeze. These three-ply tissues feature an anti-viral formula embedded into their middle layer. While the tissues won’t kill the virus inside your friend’s body, it can reduce their chances of spreading it to anyone who has come in contact with their tissue. 

Whether you purchase traditional soft tissues or new anti-viral tissues, your friend will definitely appreciate the gift. 

4. Get Well Soon Card

Create your own, elaborate get well soon filled with positive affirmations or fond memories. If you live far away from each other, sending your friend a physical reminder of all the fun times you shared with each other can instantly brighten their mood. 

If you aren’t naturally artistic or crafty, don’t worry. There are plenty of pre-made get well soon cards available both online and in-stores. Just remember to add a personal message reminding your friend that you are thinking of them. 

5. Gift Card for Streaming Service

Back in the olden days, people would send each other DVD’s and CD’s to their friends so they could enjoy fun films and music. But with the rise of streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify, the way in which we consume content has changed a little. But that doesn’t mean you can’t give your friend the gift of high-quality content. 

With so many streaming services out there nowadays, it’s hard to keep up with figuring out which shows are where. It feels like there’s always a new streaming service ready to debut at any moment. If your friend doesn’t have a particular streaming subscription, consider putting the first month or two for the service on your card. Juggling multiple subscriptions can add up over time. 

6. Soup Mix

Soup is another classic remedy for colds and flu. Consider sending a few cans or packs of your friend’s favorite soups to them. While chicken noodle soup is probably the most well-known flu food, there are other tasty and healthy options you can send your friend. 

Consider purchasing some of these soups for your stomach flu care package:

• Vegetable Soup
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Tomato Soup
• Tortilla Soup
• Miso Soup
• Split Pea Soup
• Minestrone Soup
• Spring Onion Noodle Soup
• Spiced Carrot Soup
  

Many of these soups offer nutritious ingredients perfect for alleviating a sore throat and easing your congestion. 

7. Snacks

Many people don’t have much of an appetite when they are down with the flu or the cold. But it’s important to make sure they are staying healthy and filled. Most of the time, when we feel sick, we are usually only in the mood for something light like soup or crackers. This soup and crackers care package offers all of the snacks your loved one needs as they recover from their cold. 

Included in this package are:

• Original wheat thins
• Earl Grey and Chamomile tea packets
• Snack sized pretzel packs
• Spring Onion, Tortilla, Minestrone, Split Tea, and Vegetable soup cups
• Granola bars
• Fruit snacks
• Organic cheese crackers

8. Books

Most people spend their sick days surfing the internet or binging some TV shows. But if your friend is more of a bookworm or you know they are growing tired of staring at a screen all day, send them some new books. 

Whether they are a lover of medieval fantasy or sappy teen romance, they will love receiving a new book to read. There is something incredibly comforting about wrapping yourself up in a blanket and immersing yourself in a new world. Reading fantastic and mesmerizing books can help your friend take their mind off of their cold or flu. 

9. Blanket

Consider knitting together a blanket or making a custom quilt for your friend. If you don’t have the crafting skills to make your own blanket, don’t worry. There are numerous fun and customizable blankets you can purchase on the market. Send them a blanket in their favorite color or one that sports the logo of your favorite sports team. You can even pick a custom pattern to add to the blanket. 

10. Photo Album

Remind your friend of the good times with a little photo album. Dealing with the flu can make anyone feel down. Lift your loved one’s spirits by sending an album filled with all of the fun memories you have shared together.

You can fill the album with a number of photos from different events, such as the time you went on a camping trip or your recent graduation party. Purchase a pre-made album for the store or craft your own if you have the artistry and time to do so. 

11. Vitamin C Packets

Give your loved one an extra vitamin C boost with some Emergen-C packets. While these packets won’t automatically prevent or heal a flu, they can help alleviate systems while also helping to boost your immune system. 

A Basket Offering a Little Bit of Everything

Consider selecting a pre-made basket that you can make special additions to

This Healthy You care package offers all of the basic necessities for recovering from a cold and also lowering one’s risk of becoming sick again. Along with practical items including hand sanitizer, tea packets, and gummy vitamins, you can add a personal get well card for your loved one when you check out. 

Packing and sending a custom stomach flu care package to your loved ones is a great way to show them how much you care about them. Not only that but assembling one is simple, but easy too!

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