Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

Fall is in the air and soon the dreaded influenza virus will be, also. Taking care of yourself before you get sick can help you resist colds and flu this winter.Keep yourself well hydrated with both fruit juices and water. Stick with 100 percent juice and avoid the bottles and cans labeled "fruit drink." The fruit drinks are pretty much just sugar, water, and a touch of juice for flavoring. Purchasing a juicer to make your own juice is a healthy alternative and it gives you the benefit of knowing exactly what you're drinking. Taking along bottles of water in the car and to work will ensure you have what you need handy. You can even pour up a thermos of your homemade juice to drink at your desk or on breaks.

Snack on fruits and vegetables more often. Keeping your vitamin intake up will help you ward off the evils of illness. For a breakfast on the run, try cereal bars and low fat or skim milk instead of the classic cinnamon roll with coffee.

Take antibacterial wipes with you in your purse and car. Wet Ones makes great individually wrapped antibacterial wipes that are slim enough to fit inside a small purse, a pocket, or a diaper bag. They also fit great inside car consoles. When unfolded from their pouch, they are big and thick enough for any use. These wipes are handy for wiping off the handle of shopping carts before we grab them, doorknobs, or anything else you might get germ transfer from.

Antibacterial hand gel comes in tiny bottles you can easily carry anywhere. Whether we notice it or not, money is quite possibly the filthiest item we touch most frequently. After you leave a check out, you can easily squeeze a small amount of antibacterial hand gel into your palm, and cover your hands with it. This gel is also handy for when we have to shake hands with people, or come out of a public bathroom. Washing your hands is always recommended, but a little extra backup wouldn't hurt.

Airborne cold remedy is a nifty little product designed to be taken before you get sick, and it actually does work. You can buy it anywhere over the counter medicines are sold. Around cold and flu season, you can find Airborne marked down to discount prices. Airborne is sold in both adult and children's formulas, so the entire family can miss less days from work and school. If you have trouble finding Airborne, you can order it on the internet.

Before cold and flu season gets into full swing, you should begin supplying your medicine cabinet with a few things that may come in handy. Think about what types of medications to treat colds and flu your family typically might buy during the winter, and purchase them now in case you need them. This could save you a trip you wouldn't want to take if you get sick, and will also ensure you can get what items you need, before the demand for these products leaves shelves bare. Anti-diarrhea medicines are also a wise choice, as some viruses tend to affect both ends, not just one.

Keep extra facial tissues on hand. Especially if you have school aged children. It seems they bring every strain of virus going around with them when they come home. Having extra facial tissues on hand will keep noses clean, and you won't have to beat the cold season rush to get the preferred brand for your family. Make sure to buy pocket sized tissues for the family, as well. They fit conveniently in pockets, purses, backpacks, and vehicles.

Make sure you check with your doctor or health department ahead of time about flu shots, if you plan on getting one. There is no guarantee that there will be enough of the injections to go around, and you may need to schedule an appointment to receive one. Keeping abreast of when flu shots will be distributed could save you time, and give you peace of mind knowing you can get one.

If you think you may have the flu, make an appointment with your doctor. The flu can easily lead to pneumonia or bacterial infection. Small children and senior citizens should be watched closely during flu season and treated immediately if they have symptoms of the flu.