As the weather starts to get colder, it signals the start of cold and flu season. While no one enjoys feeling ill, there are some things you can do to prepare for the oncoming viral onslaught to lower the risk of getting sick.
How To Prepare For Cold And Flu Season
Follow these tips to help you naturally prepare for the cold and flu season this year.
Institute A Strict “Hand Washing” Rule
Tell everyone in your family that they need to make a point of washing their hands before and after eating, after using a tissue, and after using the toilet. This is one thing that everyone can do to prevent the spread of germs in your home.
Be sure to wash with soap for at least 20 seconds. It may help to count or hum a song during this time.
Buy Cold And Flu Medications Before You Need Them
When someone is already sick, it may not be convenient to go to the store to buy supplies. Stock up on an over-the-counter pain reliever, cough syrup and decongestants (spray as well as capsules or tablets). If you have children in the family, make sure you have medicines for them as well.
Buying cold and flu supplies also means stocking up on tissues and paper towels. Once someone becomes ill, use paper towels in the bathroom instead of hand towels to avoid spreading germs between family members after using the toilet.
Build Your Natural Immune System
Taking vitamins and minerals can help to improve your immune function. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get the flu shot or if this type of natural immune-building is right for you. (The flu shot is recommended for people over the age of 65 or those who have a compromised immune system.)
If your doctor counsels you that a natural solution is right for your health care needs, our compounding pharmacists can prepare vitamins and mineral combinations to meet your specific needs.
Plan For Possible Sick Days
You may need to take some time off during the cold and flu season. If you are a full-time parent, do you have someone who can help with your children so that you can rest? If you work outside the home, do you know how many sick days you have available to you? Would you have to plan for unpaid leave if you took time off for yourself or to look after your children?
Stock Up On Some Easy To Prepare Foods
You’ll need to have some staples like chicken soup, macaroni and cheese, bread, peanut butter, ginger ale and apple juice on hand for lunches and dinners. If your children are old enough, let them make themselves sandwiches for dinner when you are trying to get well.
We Can Create A Customized Solution Just For You
Our skilled pharmacists at The Compounding Pharmacy of America can make a unique combination of vitamins and or medications, based on your specific needs. We can even work with your doctor!
Call Us Now To Learn About Compounded Options Created For You!
Chief Operating Officer, The Compounding Pharmacy of America
Matthew Poteet, Pharm.D. graduated with Honors from Lee University with a Bachelors of Science in Biological Science. After his undergraduate training, he completed the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy, graduating in 2004. Dr. Poteet has spent much of his pharmacy career on staff at two of the most prestigious academic teaching hospitals in the Southeast; Emory University in Atlanta and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. At these institutions he received extensive experience and training in sterile products compounding.
He returned home to East Tennessee in 2010, where he has held the position of Pharmacy Director at two sterile products pharmacies in Knoxville. Matthew lives in Knoxville with his wife, Chris. Dr. Poteet is Tennessee’s first Board Certified Anti-Aging Pharmacist by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.
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