Holidays can be stressful, but they can also be fun times spent with family and friends. Unfortunately, they can also come with some health issues.

Parents, more than anyone, know just how fast common colds, flu, indigestion, and other health issues can ruin everyone’s holiday fun.

It’s important to know what health problems a trip to the pharmacy can fix, and which ones need a trip to the doctor’s office. So, before you head to the pharmacy, here are some things every mom should know.

Common Cold and Flu Medications

Cold and flu viruses love the holiday season. They thrive when people are in close contact with others. Moms should always stock up on over-the-counter cold and flu medications during the holiday season.

They offer relief from cold/flu symptoms as well as preventing secondary infections as well. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can reduce fever and ease headaches. Decongestants, cough suppressants, and throat lozenges can also make symptoms bearable.

Gastrointestinal Ailments

All those snacks, heavy meals, drinks, and holiday treats can mess with anyone’s digestive system. Overindulgence-related gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn, reflux, and gas, are common during the holidays.

Fortunately, antacids, PPIs, and other acid reducers are available over-the-counter. They can neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn and other symptoms quickly.

Allergies

Allergies can strike anytime, anywhere, including the holiday season. The good news is that over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can quickly relieve allergy symptoms. Antihistamines can tackle runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching.

Decongestants help relieve nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages.

Travel Illnesses

Travel can be fun, but it can also expose travelers to health problems they don’t usually encounter in their everyday lives.

Jet lag, motion sickness, traveler’s diarrhea, and altitude sickness can all disrupt travel plans during the holidays. Fortunately, some over-the-counter remedies, such as anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines, and motion sickness pills, are available over-the-counter without a prescription.

Skin and Eye Irritations

Skin and eye irritations can happen more frequently during the holiday season because of weather changes, indoor heater usage, and other factors. Moms should look for treatments for mild skin irritations, such as rashes, insect bites, and itches.

A topical antihistamine cream, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone creams are good options. Eye drops, such as saline solution and lubricating drops, can also relieve dry and irritated eyes.

Pain Relief for Kids

If you’re traveling with little kids, then you should consider giving them pain relief products suitable for their age and weight.

Consult a pediatrician to find out which medications are safe and appropriate for children and ensure proper dosing for their weight and age. Pain relievers can help to relieve headaches, toothaches, and earaches quickly and easily.

Emergency Medications

Some medications must be available at all times during the holidays. Epi-pens for people with severe allergies, emergency asthma inhalers, blood pressure medication, and insulin should never be forgotten.

Make sure to have enough medicine on hand to get through the holiday period without running out.

What to Ask the Pharmacist

It’s important for moms to know that they can always ask the pharmacist questions before making a purchase.

Pharmacists can help identify the proper medications to treat the specific symptoms that their families are experiencing, what dosage to take, and how often. They can also inform them of potential side effects and how they can interfere with other medication they may already be taking.

Conclusion

During the holiday season, it’s common for people to experience a range of health issues, like cold and flu, gastrointestinal issues, allergies, travel-related problems, skin, and eye irritations, and pain.

Stock up on over-the-counter medicines to treat these common symptoms, and don’t forget to bring along emergency medications that family members may need. Before making a purchase, make sure to ask the pharmacist any questions to ensure the medication is safe and effective for you and your family.