found vitamin D can help protect against COVID-19 and the flu.<\/span><\/p>\nVitamin C coupons<\/span><\/p>\nElderberry coupons<\/span><\/p>\nVitamin D coupons<\/span><\/p>\n9. Masks<\/span><\/h3>\nMasks became commonplace to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Understandably, they also decrease<\/span> transmission of other viral illnesses<\/span>\u2014even within your home. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ll ever go without a supply of simple surgical masks to use around the house when one of my family members is sick,\u201d Dr. Kreps says. \u201cWearing a mask and keeping <\/span>hands and surfaces clean and sanitized<\/span> prevents sharing colds and the flu with the rest of my household.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>How to prepare for flu season<\/b><\/p>\n10. Thermometers<\/span><\/h3>\nEven if you feel warm to the touch, a thermometer is the only way to confirm <\/span>you have a fever<\/span>. The CDC classifies a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher as a fever. While there\u2019s a wide variety of thermometers on the market for home use, Dr. Kreps says the best thermometers are the ones you intuitively know how to use without consulting an owner\u2019s manual.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cDigital oral thermometers with a single button on them are my favorite,\u201d Dr. Kreps says. \u201cThey\u2019re accurate, quick, and inexpensive. If you have a small child or a family member with special needs, a no-touch forehead digital infrared thermometer is a wonderful option.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nDr. O\u2019Mahony agrees that digital oral thermometers are the most accurate option. \u201cThe ear thermometers aren\u2019t accurate enough and the older glass thermometers are too dangerous to have around the house,\u201d she says. For infants, the best way to take their temperature if you are concerned about a fever is the rectal thermometer. Infants tolerate having a rectal temperature taken.<\/span><\/p>\nThermometer coupons<\/span><\/p>\n11. Hydration aids<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen you\u2019re sick, it\u2019s important to drink adequate fluids and to stay hydrated. Your body loses fluids through sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting. Ensuring that you receive enough liquids helps your white blood cells to better fight off illness. \u201cA person who is well-hydrated can heal much faster and get back to normal activities with minimal downtime,\u201d Dr. Kreps says. \u201cDehydration really slows down and can complicate upper respiratory infections.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nIn addition, Dr. Kreps says good hydration keeps mucus and phlegm thinner and makes you less prone to a secondary infection. Staying adequately hydrated also increases the effectiveness of any cold and flu medications you take.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span>\u201cBe sure to have popsicles, soups, electrolyte sports drinks, flavored waters, tea, even coffee, and the occasional soda on hand,\u201d Dr. Kreps says. \u201cThe key is to focus on translucent, water-based, non-dairy fluids as much as possible.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span>Dr. Mahony recommends Pedialyte popsicles if you have little ones who are refusing to drink anything else. \u201cWarm liquids are particularly good for sore throats and for thinning mucus and phlegm and also help you stay hydrated if you\u2019re fighting cold and flu symptoms,\u201d she adds.<\/span><\/p>\nPedialyte coupons<\/span><\/p>\n12. Humidifier<\/span><\/h3>\nDr. Kreps recommends hydrating the air you breathe in your home with a humidifier to help with dry sinuses and ease symptoms of colds and flu. Dr. O\u2019Mahony adds that cool mist vaporizers may help with congestion for the younger age groups. Read your humdifier\u2019s owner\u2019s manual and clean it at the frequency and with the appropriate cleaners so that the humidifier does not grow and spew mold into your home.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>Home remedies for the common cold<\/b><\/p>\n13. At-home COVID tests\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nSince flu and COVID share similar symptoms, Dr. O\u2019Mahony recommends having home COVID-19 tests. \u201cIt\u2019s important to know if you have COVID because it may impact other family members,\u201d Dr. O\u2019Mahony says. \u201cFor example, if your child tests positive for COVID and then Grandma develops respiratory symptoms, we would know to test and treat Grandma with antiviral medication to avoid hospitalization.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>Is it the flu\u2014or something else?<\/b><\/p>\nHow to avoid getting sick<\/span><\/h2>\nWhile there\u2019s no surefire way to avoid getting sick this winter, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Get your annual flu shot and COVID-19 booster<\/span><\/li>\n
- Wash your hands<\/span> well (and often) and avoid touching your face<\/span><\/li>\n
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle<\/span><\/li>\n
- Sleep well<\/span><\/li>\n
- Eat a balanced diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Exercise regularly<\/span><\/li>\n
- Manage stress<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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