Flu and cold season can be quite challenging if you don’t have essential items to keep with you. These health challenges are not only uncomfortable but can also be deadly if not properly handled.

Fortunately, you can prepare by keeping some essential items within your reach. Below are five vital items you should keep with you during flu and cold season.

1. Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a crucial item to keep with you during flu and cold season. The flu and common cold are highly contagious, and they often spread through contact with infected surfaces.

You can pick up the flu and cold virus from doorknobs, desks, and other surfaces that have been touched by infected people. This is why regular hand washing is essential to minimize the risk of getting sick.

Hand sanitizer is a handy alternative to washing your hands when you don’t have access to soap and water. It’s easy to carry around, and you can use it whenever you need to disinfect your hands.

For maximum effectiveness, choose a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Also, make sure to apply enough hand sanitizer to cover your hands thoroughly, and rub your hands together until they feel dry.

2. Tissues

Tissues are another essential item to keep with you during flu and cold season. Coughing and sneezing are the main ways through which the flu and common cold spread.

When you cough or sneeze, you release droplets that contain the virus, which can infect others. Using tissues can help to contain these droplets and prevent the virus from spreading.

Make sure to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used tissues immediately. If you don’t have access to tissues, you can use your elbow to cover your mouth and nose instead of your hands.

This is because your hands can easily transfer the virus to other surfaces, which can infect others.

3. Fluids

Staying hydrated is crucial during flu and cold season. When you’re sick, your body loses fluids through sweating, coughing, and sneezing. These fluids need to be replaced to prevent dehydration, which can make your symptoms worse.

Drinking enough fluids can also help to reduce congestion and keep your throat moist.

Water is an excellent fluid to drink when you’re sick, but you can also drink other fluids such as herbal tea, broth, and sports drinks. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, alcohol, or too much sugar, as these can dehydrate your body.

Remember to drink fluids throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

4. Medications

Keeping some medications with you can help to manage flu and cold symptoms. There are various over-the-counter medications that can help to reduce fever, relieve pain, and ease congestion.

Some of the common medications that can help you feel better include pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, and decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.

However, it’s crucial to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

They can advise you on the best medication based on your condition and medical history.

5. Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and supplements can boost your immune system and help you fight off the flu and common cold. Vitamin C, for example, is a powerful antioxidant that can help to reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

Zinc is also useful in preventing and treating cold symptoms by reducing inflammation and fighting off viruses.

Other supplements such as echinacea, ginseng, and elderberry are also useful in supporting your immune system during flu and cold season.

However, it’s crucial to speak to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they can interact with other medications or have side effects.

Conclusion

Flu and cold season can be challenging, especially if you don’t have essential items to keep with you.

Hand sanitizer, tissues, fluids, medications, and vitamins and supplements are some of the items you should keep within your reach during this season. The most crucial thing you can do to prevent the flu and common cold is to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, avoiding crowded places, and getting vaccinated.

By taking adequate measures, you can protect yourself and those around you from falling sick this season.