How to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

Once school begins, it's only a matter of time before somebody gets sick and brings home a germ or three billion. Now, add to that the fact that cold and flu season is right around the corner and it's better to be prepared than not.  Start now and by the time the sniffles hit, you will be well prepared.


Shop Wisely.  You don't need to go out and purchase everything today. Look in your medicine cabinet and assess what you already have. Look through your coupons and match them up to sales. Also look for gifts with purchases (free sample of vapor cream with purchase of tissues), buy one, get one free specials and back to school sales (great for sanitizer and tissues.)

Stock Up.  I guarantee you will need more than one box of tissues. Give your best estimate as to what you'll use and stock up. There's no need to overdo it, but the goal is to be well prepared.

 Here's a basic run down of what will work for most people.

Basic Medicines:  Ibuprofin, acetamenophin, aspirin, cold remedies, medications for stomach ailments, vapor creams, vapor tablets for the shower, cough medicine, saline spray, eye drops, hard candy/cough drops.

Allergy medication: Some allergies symptoms present themselves as cold symptoms. Keep these medications available also.

Paper goods.  Tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning wipes (especially if you have kids or are prone to vomiting.)

Cleaning supplies. If you or a loved one is very sick, you may experience a variety of 'accidents.' Be sure to always have available disinfectant, cleaning wipes, carpet cleaner, laundry detergent, bleach, etc. If you prefer natural cleaners keep items such as baking soda, vinegar and club soda on hand.

Simple foods. Juice or juice concentrate, low sodium soups, crackers, ginger ale, tea, lemon, honey, rice, plain pasta, applesauce. Remember everything tastes awful when you're sick, so stick with simple things that will 'stay down' and nourish you.

I always dread cold and flu season because if one of my darling kids gets sick, then at least two more of the household gets sick with them. If we're all laid up in bed together, it really helps to have the basics covered. That way you can just sit back and sleep, sneeze and sip your way to a speedy recovery.