Your Health

Tips to Keep Winter Colds at Bay

Posted 11/5/2010

Stock up on cold medicine before you actually get sick.

(NewsUSA) - As colder weather hits, everyone starts playing a waiting game -- when, exactly, will they get sick?

It's no big secret that adults and children are more likely to catch colds in the wintertime. This isn't because germs hibernate all summer, but because dry air and confined spaces make catching respiratory viruses more likely. Even if you're adamant about washing your hands (and you should be), you can still get sick from germs circulating in the air.

That doesn't mean that you should become a hermit until spring. Just take a few precautions and make sure you're prepared in case a cold strikes. Stocking up on a few key items will make a big difference. Here are some tips:

* Keep multivitamins on hand. It's best to avoid colds in the first place, and that means strengthening your immune system. Eat healthy meals containing fruits and vegetables, and take a daily multivitamin to cover your nutritional bases.

* Take an inventory of your medicine cabinet. Are you low on anything? Have any medications expired? Do you have leftover prescriptions? Throw away any out-of-date or leftover medications. Then, decide what you will need for cold and flu season.

* Stock up on over-the-counter cold remedies. You will probably want an antihistamine, a decongestant, cough medicine, lozenges and something that can reduce fever and aches and pains. Save money on medicine by shopping at a discount retailer like Dollar General, where you'll find Rexall brand health products, vitamins and over-the-counter medications for children and adults.

* Prepare a first aid kit. Be ready for any emergency by creating a first aid kit filled with bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, cloth tape, cold compresses and non-latex gloves. Purchase a digital oral thermometer as well -- a fever over 102 degrees indicates that you don't have a cold, but the flu.

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