Winter is near, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. Although you can catch a cold in the middle of the summer, the cold weather increases your chances of getting sick. Of course, the best way to defend yourself against getting sick is by getting a flu shot, but there are other ways to prep yourself for the season. To avoid getting sick and spending most of your day in bed watching 90s sitcom reruns, here are some of the best ways to prepare for the cold and flu season.
Load Up on Essentials
Think about the supplies you may need while you’re sick in bed. Tissues, hand sanitizers, paper towels, orange juice, soup, and a humidifier are a few items you should have stocked up and ready to go when you’re feeling under the weather. You should also purchase Lysol spray and wipes to help sanitize the surfaces you use to ensure that no one else gets sick.
Stock Up Your Medicine Cabinet
Another way to prepare yourself for the cold and flu season is by stocking up your medicine cabinet. Take the time to look in your medicine cabinet or drawer to see what medicines are expired or running low, and make a list of what you need to replenish. Knowing the difference between cold and allergy symptoms will help you choose the best remedies to treat your illness. Medicines you should add to your list include the following:
- Fever and pain relief
- Cough medication
- Decongestants
- Nasal sprays
- Cough drops
Wash Your Hands Properly
Although we’re nearly past the pandemic, you should still wash your hands thoroughly, as it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent getting sick. Lather your hands for about 20 seconds with warm water and anti-bacterial soap. Make sure that you scrub under those fingernails! Sing happy birthday twice to ensure you’re cleaning your hands long enough.
Clean Your Home More Often
Flu and common cold viruses can survive on door handles, table surfaces, and other surfaces. These viruses typically survive longer on plastic, wood, or metal, so cleaning your home more often is important. Use disinfectants and anti-bacterial cleansers to help kill cold and flu germs.
