How To Prevent The Flu

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News November 29, 2016

It’s inevitable. At some point this winter, even with the Scottsdale sunshine, your family will come down with a cold.

It may pass quickly or hang around for a few weeks and make life especially miserable––But, either way, over-the-counter (OTC) medication can ease the symptoms and help you get on with life. Here’s what Phoenix-area pharmacists recommend.

Chest Congestion: If you feel like there is a phlegmy party happening in your chest, look to an OTC option that contains guaifenesin (Mucinex), an expectorant that helps loosen phlegm and make coughs more productive.

Stuffy Nose: Sounding like a nasally librarian does not work well for a big work presentation or meeting with clients; so, if you’re hoping to get rid of your stuffy nose, keep the tissues handy and try pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). The medication works by causing narrowing of the blood vessels in the nasal passages and can help you feel comfortable while your cold works its way out of your system. It’s available in regular and non-drowsy varieties.

Dry Cough: Are you getting the evil eye from everyone at the office because of your incessant dry cough? If you don’t want to use up a sick day, your best bet is a cough drop that will keep the throat moist and less irritated. If the cough is because of nasal congestion, try DayQuil or Sudafed along with a cough drop.

Sore Throat: Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about a scratchy, sore throat, but a cough drop and a lot of water can help ease the discomfort by keeping the throat moist while you recover. If a sore throat is especially painful or accompanied by other symptoms, you may want to see a doctor to check for strep throat.

Multi-Symptom Cold: If your head is pounding for reasons other than deadlines, carpools, and teenagers, and your body aches like the day after boot camp but you can’t remember the last time you put on running shoes, you have a multi-symptom cold. Your best bet for relief is NyQuil and DayQuil, as they have a pain reliever/fever reducer, cough suppressant and antihistamine all in one. And never underestimate the power of increased fluids and extra rest to help speed your recovery.

HANDY TIP

Frequently washing your hands and laundering your clothing and bed sheets also helps to limit contagion from person to person. Prestige Cleaners’ eight convenient Scottsdale locations are able to launder and dry clean to help you reduce the risk of germs.

5 Foods that Fight the Flu

Chicken Soup: Your grandma was right, chicken soup is just what the doctor ordered when fighting the flu. A variety with chicken, noodles, and vegetables that isn’t too high in sodium can help thin mucus, increase carbohydrates, regulate fluids, and boost immunity.
Strawberries: Isn’t it nice when something delicious and kid-friendly is good for you too? Strawberries provide a vitamin C jolt to help prevent or reduce the duration of a cold.
Lean Meat: Another good reason to frequent your favorite steakhouse––lean meat provides a healthy amount of iron and zinc, which can help keep your energy levels up and can activate your white blood cells, infection-fighting agents.
Buckwheat Honey: Home remedies have had honey as a main ingredient for generations and for good reason. Honey can naturally coat your throat to ease the effects of coughs and sore throats, especially before bed.
Hot Peppers: If your nose is stuffy, try eating the type of peppers that make your eyes water and your nose run. Capsaicin, the natural compound found in hot peppers can thin mucus, giving you a runny nose to help you breathe better and allow your nasal passages to get rid of germs.