I don’t have time to be sick. I don’t have the patience for it either. I’m used to running full tilt, doing several things in parallel at all times. So when my body fails me by falling victim to an illness during the flu season, I become frustrated at my lack of production, as well as my inability to keep my household running at maximum efficiency. When it comes to my family members, I hate seeing them not feeling well and not being able really do much to fix it for them. Which is why I find that the best way to keep our family up and running through the winter months is a heavy dose of cough, cold, and flu season preparation.
Over The Counter Products: For when an illness does strike I want to be able to make myself or my family member comfortable, giving them the ability to rest and therefore recover quickly. This means creating a stockpile of over the counter products to treat the full range of symptoms including chest congestion, coughs, sore throats, and sinus pressure. #CollectiveBias
Flu Vaccination : Prevention is the best policy, and each year my entire family gets a flu shot to give us the best chance to get through the season without coming down with influenza.
I was amazed to find out how many different strains of the flu that are covered by your typical flu shot, as well as the different forms in which they are available! Flu shots are available at many venues throughout the season, including your local Sam’s Club Pharmacy.
Education: I welcome information that could help me keep myself, and my family running in tip top shape year round. I get invaluable information from Sam’s Club Healthy Living Made Simple Magazine. #SimplyHealthy It’s free, and is available either online, or through an app for your iPhone or iPad. In the latest edition, there’s a great article on your amazing immune system that provides tips to help keep you well in winter and beyond!
Nobody likes being sick. By supporting our health through these three methods, I’m giving my family the best chance of getting through the winter months with as little downtime as possible.
How do you prepare for the cough, cold, and flu season?
I do a flu shot every year (I pay out of pocket-$30) but other than that I don’t stock up on anything. It’s expensive so when and if something does strike I just run out and get something then. Other than that it’s the usual stuff like exercising and trying to eat right and avoiding sugar, which suppresses the immune system. Oh, and more garlic! 🙂 I’m also trying to pace myself with obligations and stay home when my mind and body want to relax. I think this time of year lots of people overbook themselves with holiday parties and other things liked that which run them down. And actually exercising too much or too hard lowers the immune system too!
These products do add up quickly for sure, Tonya…..and I have played the “wait until we need it game.” Unfortunately, that usually means a 10:30pm trip to the store for me. I’m not a huge fan of doing that in the middle of a Minnesota winter…..I look for the right sales, and then pick up what we normally use. Thanks for stopping by, and if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s “more garlic!”
Never underestimate how important handwashing is. I tell my daughter that 10 times a day, yet she still runs her fingers over everything and next thing I know she’s stuck them in her mouth. I though after toddler hood she might outgrow it, but nope.
I agree, Kim….when I’m working in the kitchen I’m a freak about washing my hands. Touching raw meat and then other things? Yuck! I could probably do better in day to day life though! Thanks for your comment!
Our family takes a more natural approach and we avoid OTC meds as they are full of chemicals and food dyes. Since we’ve been using essential oils and eating less processed foods we’ve practically eliminated our need for trips to the Dr. and take oils for pennies/does (usually only requires a few drops to kick a cold). But love your spreadsheet for budgeting! Checking it out now!
Glad you like the spreadsheet….it’s a great resource to get started with….come on back and let us know how it’s working for you!
Every time I get a flu shot I get sick, it’s so frustrating. I got mine about 6 weeks ago and have suffered three week long colds since (and I’m not usually sick)- at least it’s not the flu :/
That sucks, Stefanie…..try to keep from getting sick, get sick anyway. Feel better soon!
Great tips! I always stock up on cough and cold medicine plus disinfectant spray when I go to Sam’s Club. #client
Oooh, you reminded me, Samantha, I need some of that hand sanitizer stuff….it’s amazing how many things we touch during the day….. Thanks for stopping by!