Tips for Managing Symptoms
What to Stock in Your Flu Survival Kit
Your Ultimate Cold and Flu Survival Guide
When it comes to the cold and flu , prevention and preparation are key . Getting the flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are the first and most crucial steps in protecting yourself against these two respiratory illnesses . Preventative actions , such as washing your hands , covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and getting enough sleep can also help you avoid getting sick . However , despite your best prevention efforts , the time may come this winter when you start to feel a little scratch in your throat or a fever coming on . By taking steps ahead of time to assemble a cold and flu survival kit , you ’ ll be more prepared for whenever illness strikes , allowing you to stay home , rest and avoid spreading germs .
Tips for Managing Symptoms
Keep these tips in mind to ease your cold or flu symptoms :
• Stay home and rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Treat aches and fever with over-thecounter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Manage a cough with over-the-counter expectorants or suppressants
• Run a humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to ease congestion
What to Stock in Your Flu Survival Kit
Be ready when a cold or the flu strikes by having a flu survival kit filled with these get-well essentials stocked in your pantry , fridge and medicine cabinet :
Over-the-Counter Medications :
Take advantage of over-the-counter medications to make yourself feel better and ease most common flu symptoms of fever , headache , cough , muscle aches , sore throat and runny or stuffy nose
• Pain relievers - Ibuprofen ( Motrin and Advil ) or Acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) – for fever and aches
• Decongestants : for sniffles and congestion
• Cough expectorant ( guaifenesin ): for a “ wet ” cough to help clear secretions from the lungs
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