Stay Healthy This Cold and Flu Season: Prevention and Treatment Tips

Every fall the same thing happens. The weather cools down, kids go back to school, and coughs start going around. Colds and the flu spread easily, but there is a lot you can do to protect your household and to feel better faster if you do get sick.

Cold or flu?

Colds and the flu are both caused by viruses, and they can look alike. A cold usually comes on slowly and brings a runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat. The flu tends to hit fast, with fever, body aches, chills and deep tiredness. The flu can be serious, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and anyone with a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease or asthma.

Your best protection

The flu vaccine is one of the simplest ways to lower your chance of getting the flu and of getting very sick from it. It is recommended every year for most people six months and older, because flu viruses change. We offer flu shots and other vaccines at the pharmacy. Call to schedule.

Everyday habits help too:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Keep hand sanitizer in the car and your bag
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Clean phones, doorknobs and counters often
• Stay home when you are sick so others stay well

Getting vaccinated protects you, and it also protects the people around you who may not be able to get every vaccine.

Feeling better at home

Most colds get better on their own in about a week. Rest, fluids and time are the main treatment. Warm drinks, soup, honey for adults and older children, and a humidifier can make you more comfortable. Our dry Antelope Valley air can make a sore throat or stuffy nose feel worse, so moisture helps.

Over the counter products can ease symptoms like fever, aches, congestion and cough. Many combination products contain the same ingredients, so it is easy to take too much without realizing it. Before you buy, ask us. Tell us about your other medicines and health conditions. Some cold products are not a good fit for people with high blood pressure, heart conditions or certain other medicines.

Antibiotics do not work on viruses, so they will not help a cold or the flu. For the flu, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine, which works best when started early. If you think you have the flu, call your doctor soon.

When to get help

Call your doctor or get care right away for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a high fever that will not come down, signs of dehydration, or symptoms that improve and then come back worse. Watch young children and older family members closely.

A little planning now can keep your family healthier all season. Stock up on tissues, fluids and a thermometer before you need them.

Call us at 661.941.4402 to schedule your flu shot or to ask which cold products are safe with your medicines.

This article is general education, not medical advice.