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Cold and flu season is here, and a little preparation can make all the difference! From immune support and symptom relief to a few of our medical team's personal favorites, we're sharing five essentials worth keeping on hand this season. Plus, find out what Carla likes to have available when traveling or spending time in crowded places. Read more to see what's on our cold and flu season checklist!
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Cold and flu season is here, and a little preparation can go a long way! Whether you're traveling, spending time with family, or simply trying to avoid the seasonal bugs going around, having a few essentials on hand can help you stay prepared and feel your best.
Our Connected Health team is sharing five things worth keeping stocked this season, along with a few of their personal favorites.
Supporting your immune system starts with good nutrition, adequate sleep, and healthy daily habits. Certain vitamins and minerals also play an important role in keeping your immune system functioning properly.
Dr. Sarkar recommends stocking up on vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, three important nutrients that support normal immune function. Probiotics may also be beneficial for gut health, which is closely connected to immune function.
Carla's Pick: Viracid
Carla Claus, LPN, likes to keep Viracid in mind when preparing for situations where she'll be around large groups of people, particularly when traveling or visiting heavily populated places.
Viracid is a supplement that combines vitamins A and C, zinc, elderberry, and other botanical ingredients designed to support normal immune function.
It's one of Carla's personal go-to products to consider when preparing for travel or a busy season filled with gatherings. While supplements like Viracid haven't been proven to prevent colds or the flu, they may be part of an individualized approach to nutritional support.
Carla's Tip: If you have upcoming travel plans, especially through busy airports or crowded destinations, talk with your medical team about whether Viracid might be appropriate for you. As with any supplement, it's important to consider your medications, health history, and individual needs.
It's easy to forget about hydration during the colder months, but staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer.
Fever, congestion, and dry indoor air can make it especially important to keep fluids nearby. Stock up on water, electrolyte packets, herbal teas, or warm broth so you have easy options available when you're not feeling your best.
Quick Tip: Warm tea with honey can be especially soothing for a scratchy throat or cough. Just remember that honey should never be given to children under one year old.
There's nothing worse than waking up with a fever or sore throat and realizing you don't have what you need at home.
A few simple items can make managing symptoms much easier:
It's also a good idea to review your medicine cabinet before the season begins. Check expiration dates and make sure the medications you have are appropriate for everyone in your household.
Remember: Many combination cold and flu medications contain overlapping ingredients. Check with your medical team or pharmacist before combining products.
One of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of seasonal illness is also one of the most effective: washing your hands.
Keep soap, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, and disinfecting wipes available at home, in your car, or in your travel bag.
Be especially mindful of hand hygiene after visiting public places, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
And if you're traveling or spending time in crowded indoor spaces, consider additional precautions such as wearing a well-fitting mask and staying current on recommended vaccinations.
A few small habits can make a meaningful difference in reducing your exposure to seasonal viruses.
Sometimes the best thing you can do when you're sick is give your body the time it needs to recover.
Keep a few comfort items on hand, including cozy blankets, soothing teas, nutritious soups, and easy-to-prepare meals.
Pro Tip: Make a large batch of soup over the weekend and freeze individual portions. That way, if illness strikes, you'll have something warm and nourishing ready when cooking is the last thing you feel like doing.
Our dietitian recommends her Nourishing Lentil Soup, packed with plant-based protein and fiber to help keep you fueled during recovery.
And don't underestimate the importance of sleep!
Dr. Sarkar is a big advocate for restorative sleep and recommends guided meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer to help quiet the mind and establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
Being prepared is important, but prevention is just as valuable. Keeping up with recommended vaccinations, prioritizing sleep, eating a balanced diet, and practicing good hygiene are all important ways to protect your health.
At Connected Health, we're here to help you take a proactive approach to your health throughout the year.
Whether you have questions about supplements, need guidance on managing symptoms, or want to make sure you're prepared for upcoming travel, your Connected Health medical team is just a message away.
And don't forget about our Cold & Flu Emergency Kit! Our Boutique Pharmacy offers a convenient kit with helpful essentials to have on hand when seasonal symptoms strike. Ask our pharmacy team for more information.
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