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Preparing For Flu Season Before You Get Caught

While the holiday season is in the air, the nights are getting longer, the days are getting shorter, and people are gearing up to decorate their homes and yards with Christmas Cheer! This is also the season when cases of the flu start creeping up causing issues for all.

Kids are carrying germs and viruses around to each other in their classrooms and while playing together outside. Though there are people who just never seem to get sick, most of us are not that lucky. As hard as any of us try, we just can’t always prevent becoming ill but we can get ready for the flu season by being prepared!

Getting Ready At Home:

Let’s face it, no one wants to run off to the store and stock up on cold medications when they are not feeling well. The best alternative, be prepared before you become ill. Have your cabinets and medicine cabinets stocked with remedies for colds, flu symptoms, and long-lasting congestion.

Some symptoms of the flu include headaches, stiff muscles, and chills can be treated right away if you are prepared ahead of time. Have extra bottles of Advil or Tylenol on hand, make sure you know exactly where your thermometer is located. How many times have you felt you or one of your children are running a temperature but you can’t remember where you placed it! Make sure everything is running properly on batteries for your digital thermometer or digital heating pad. If you need a new model, search online, you will find a large range from standard thermometers to digital as well as plug-in heating pads to battery operated.

Always make sure you have plenty of tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins. If you have a runny nose, have boxes of tissues that are made with moisturizers to prevent the painful raw effects from red noses. Make a list of other medications that will help you through the flu season including cough suppressants and lozenges, cough drops and syrup. Don’t forget to add Aspirin to your list! Aspirin is excellent for reducing fevers as well as limiting aches and pains.

The Bedrooms:

Make sure you have pulled out all the winter blankets and comforters to stay warm before, during, and after the flu. When you or a family member feels horrible, there is nothing like a warm blanket to help soothe the pain.

Stock Up On Comfort Foods:

So, you are lying around on your couch and wished you had a nice cup of chamomile tea but you forgot to add it to your shopping list. There are several comfort foods that should be in your pantry or kitchen closet ready for those suffering from the flu.

While racing around stocking up on medications, don’t forget your comfort foods. Grab some boxes of different kinds of tea, whether herbal or not. Just make sure you have a food supply that fits everyone’s individual tastes. Many doctors advise staying away from caffeinated teas as they can cause dehydration but again, this is up to you. 518

Replace sugar in your tea with honey. Honey has proven for centuries to contain many medicinal properties from soothing a sore throat to suppressing a severe cough. The taste of honey is also very soothing when you are not feeling well.

This is also the perfect time to stock up on soups. Soup is an amazing food when you need food but solid foods just seem out of the question. This is especially true if you have a sore throat or swollen glands. Whether your favorite soup brands or a broth, you should have a good supply in your pantry.

If you are someone who loves making homemade soup, start cooking now. You can make a large stew or chili and then put them in separate containers in your freezer. Although it is recommended that you keep the level of spices down to a minimal, especially chili, a little spice might just help break up congestion!

There are many who believe that if you or a loved one suffer from strep throat, the answer is garlic! This might be a little too drastic for some as it is very potent and your breath might be a little too much for everyone else. If you like garlic, try brewing a garlic tea with hot water, garlic cloves, and honey.

Garlic has many medicinal properties from help with high blood pressure to high cholesterol. It is low in caloric intake, high in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, nutrients, manganese, selenium and fiber.

Entertainment Options:

There are times that sleeping is just not an option but unless you have entertainment to turn to, you are going to bored out of your mind! Whether you are the one who is sick or one of your kids who will be house-ridden for a while, entertainment is a must.

You can sign up for various movie options online such as Netflix or watch your favorite shows on television. Whether you are into comedies, mysteries, or classics from the 40s, there are movies everywhere for everyone’s specific taste.

If you are someone who prefers to read, go to your local bookstore and stock up everyone’s favorite authors for those days of woe!

There are other times when movies and books just won’t cut it! If you are crafty, find some nice projects to take on while you are under the weather. Possibly crocheting or knitting is something you really enjoy being involved with. Others, who are grown up kids, grab some coloring books that will suit different age groups.

Take Care Of Your Health:

The bottom line, you can prepare yourself for this season by fighting off germs and viruses ahead of time. Again, it’s easier said than done but some people are really good at dodging the flu bullet. Keep your living quarters clean and disinfected. Use disinfectants that fight off bacteria, viruses, and germs such as Lysol or Clorox. Wipe down counters, door knobs, bathroom appliances, etc. Vacuum regularly to pick up dust mites and other airborne creatures. Have a good supply of antibacterial soaps placed in your kitchen and baths.

Make sure you and your family get enough sleep, which will build up your immune system. Eat fruits and veggies for added nutrients.

Also, make sure your phone is within arm’s reach so you can call friends and complain about how lousy you feel!

Be ready for the flu season! Please visit one of our urgent care locations in San Diego to receive a flu shot. If you believe you are experiencing the flu schedule an appointment to see a doctor immediately.