These cold-weather germs are out to get us, parents. Here in Nashville, some schools are talking about closing because so many kids are out with the flu. It’s no fun, so we’ve rounded up 5 delicious cold and flu-busting recipes for your families. Cook these this week, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed that your family stays healthy.

So grab a pen, make your shopping list, and stock up on ingredients before the weekend’s over to make your weeknights that much easier.

At top: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup at Haute & Healthy Living; elderberry smoothies at Heartfully Nourished

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Of course, we have to start with a really good Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, like this one at Haute & Healthy Living. All those fresh veggies, herbs, and of course, garlic, will have you feeling better fast. A rotisserie chicken will save you serious time with this one. Serve with grilled cheese on the side for a true TLC experience.

Grill up your favorite protein, then serve this immune-boosting Orange, Pomegranate and Squash Salad with Turmeric Dressing at The Nourished Mind on the side. Your younger kids or pickier eaters will like the squash, orange, or avocado on the side to dip in the turmeric dressing.

Breakfast for dinner is always a favorite with my kids. I’ll take a night easy and serve up pancakes, eggs and these delicious elderberry smoothies at Heartfully Nourished. The elderberry syrup will boost their immune systems, so they can fight off all those germs they encounter at school.

Related: The one elderberry syrup recipe you need for cold and flu season

My family usually likes us to cook one really spicy, flavorful meal per week, and to fight off the germs you can’t do better than this Moong Dal Tadka at Sandhya’s Kitchen. It’s loaded with turmeric, garlic, and chilis to knock any germs flat. And don’t be intimidated if you aren’t familiar with the dish; moong dal is just yellow lentils. Plus, it cooks in the Instant Pot. Whoo!

Garlic is your secret weapon against the flu this fall, and this Garlic Lemon Butter Pasta at Oh, Sweet Basil is easy and simple. It has just a few ingredients, although we think you could add any leftover chicken from the soup earlier this week.

Usually we include a dessert, but this week we thought we’d share this Apple Cider Hot Toddy recipe at Our Salty Kitchen. The combination of tea and bourbon is a classic weapon against sickness when the weather turns, and this version with apple cider added looks so comforting. Put the kids to bed and pour yourself a mug of this, then get some much-needed relaxation in, which might be your best way to fight off colds and the flu after all.

Tags: breakfast, chicken, cooking for kids, dinner, easy recipes, fall, family meals, healthy eating, meal plans, pasta, soup