10 cold and flu essentials to always keep on hand, per medical experts
· New York PostAs the beginning of fall rolls around, talk about preventing the flu abounds. And, when it does, you’ll likely go into full prevention mode.
Regardless if you schedule your doctor’s visit and get the flu or COVID vaccines, it’s still a good idea to keep your medicine cabinet well-stocked. That’s why the Post Wanted team consulted medical experts to dish out a comprehensive list of what to include in your medicine cabinet to help prevent the cold and flu.
Because flu season generally begins in the fall, around October or November, it’s important to think about prevention as the virus circulates throughout the colder months.
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“The flu season tends to peak between December and February,” Andy Anderson, MD, executive vice president and chief medical and quality officer at RWJBarnabas Health, told the New York Post. “During this time, we see the highest number of flu cases and flu-related hospitalizations, and it’s critical to take precautions to avoid infection and prevent spread of infection.”
Typically we usually start to see cases creep up in October. “Last year, the first week of October was the first real ‘uptick’ in flu cases,” F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, associate professor of medicine, author of “How Medicine Works and When It Doesn’t” and public health at Yale University and Director of Yale’s Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator (CTRA) who’s trained in internal medicine, nephrology and epidemiology, told The Post. “So far this year, activity is pretty low.”
Aside from keeping all the essentials at home and on hand, it’s vital to stay home if you’re feeling unwell and avoiding public places when sick is essential to preventing the spread of viruses. “Stay well hydrated and get additional rest,” Dr. Anderson added. “Additionally, continuing with preventive health measures, such as vaccines, are key to maintaining health during the flu season.”
Below, find all of the items worth purchasing that are all backed by medical experts. It may be worth snagging one of the best blankets we reviewed to snuggle up in, great for cuddling up with if you’re feeling under the weather or if you simply want to get ahead of the wintertime season.
Be sure to check out our in-depth FAQ section for more tips and information from the medical experts we tapped.
Be sure to consult with your doctor to find out what works best for you, especially if you have underlying conditions.
Best OTC Medications
Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gels (100-Count)
“Acetaminophen helps reduce fever, body aches and headaches that are common with the flu,” Anderson said. Not to mention, it’s a medicine cabinet staple.
“Tylenol and ibuprofen are always a must to help with fevers to decrease intensity,” Bindiya Gandhi, MD, double board-certified holistic and functional medicine doctor with specialties in family medicine and integrative medicine, told The Post.
Advil Dual Action with Acetaminophen Caplets (216-Count)
For those seeking an acetaminophen, Advil is another medicine cabinet essential that helps lessen and prevent cold and flu symptoms.
“Acetaminophen is a great fever reducer and, I’ve found, helps to deal with the muscle aches of flu better than some other pain meds,” Dr. Wilson said.
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets (500-Count)
“Ibuprofen is good for headaches and muscle aches, though I like acetaminophen a bit better,” Wilson noted. This 500-pack is a great value on Amazon, helping to alleviate pain and fever when the unfortunate symptoms of the cold and flu strike.
Additionally, in a clinical trial on 80 patients with naturally acquired URTI ibuprofen 400 mg three times daily “was shown to cause a significant reduction in symptom severity of headache, earache, muscle/joint pain, and sneezing as well as a reduction in body temperature,” according to a 2006 report in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Sudafed PE Sinus Congestion Maximum Strength Non-Drowsy Decongestant Tablets (36-Count)
“Over-the-counter decongestants can help relieve nasal and sinus congestion,’ Anderson explained. As one of the most respected brands, Sudafed helps diminish sinus pressure and congestion in easy-to-swallow tablets.
Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant Ointment
To help alleviate that stubborn cough, you can apply the Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant Ointment.
It’s a topical chest rub that can help lessen the amount of times you cough in the short term which, in turn, may help along with other recommended over-the-counter medications your doctor may advise you to take. “These can help manage a persistent cough,” Anderson noted.
Amazon Basic Care Saline Nasal Spray (2-Pack)
“These help to ease congestion and moisturize the nasal passages,” Anderson said. This two-pack is a great value on Amazon for less than $10 and helps with not only the cold and flu but also seasonal allergies.
“Oxymetazoline is a nasal decongestant that is quite effective when your nose is just so stuffy you can’t breathe,” Wilson said. “Be careful with this; some studies suggest that with prolonged use you might become more dependent on it.”
Best Vitamin & Immunity Boosters
Nature Made Extra Strength Vitamin C Tablets (100-Count)
This guide would be incomplete without a mention of vitamin C to help the immune system and offer antioxidant support. “This antioxidant supports immune function and may shorten the duration of colds,” Anderson shared.
Plus, Gandhi told The Post of a clinical trial that noted how vitamin C in high doses around the time of the cold and flu improved and prevented symptoms.
Sandhu Herbals Zinc Supplements (120-Count)
“Zinc helps reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms, especially if taken early,” Anderson said.
Additionally, zinc can reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms “by inhibiting the virus that causes cold by stopping the replication in the nose then improving inflammation,” Dr. Gandhi said.
Best Electrolyte Drinks & Rehydrators
Propel Kiwi Strawberry Zero Calorie Water with Electrolytes (12-Pack)
“Electrolyte drinks can be beneficial, especially if you’re experiencing dehydration due to a fever, which can occur with the flu,” Anderson said. “They help replenish lost electrolytes and keep you hydrated. Staying well-hydrated supports overall health and immune function.”
Additionally, we love Propel as a zero-calorie option that’s perfect for on-the-go use, or keeping on your nightstand when you’re resting in bed. “If you’re having trouble getting [electrolytes] in food or having diarrhea, an electrolyte solution (like pedialyte) can help to restore the balance,” Wilson said. “Of course, if you really can’t keep anything down, call your doctor.”
LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes Variety Pack (12-Count)
According to Wilson, Gatorade really doesn’t have enough electrolyte in it to make a huge difference, so he would opt with an electrolyte powder that you can dissolve in water.
“I love LMNT, and personally anything without real sugar is good,” Gandhi recommended. “I don’t like certain brands because they are full of sugar.”
An FAQ on Cold & Flu Essentials
How does the flu differ from the common cold?
“The flu and the common cold share many overlapping symptoms, such as a runny nose, coughing and sore throat,” Anderson told The Post. “However, the flu tends to cause more severe symptoms, including high fever, body aches, extreme fatigue and headaches.”
Flu symptoms can also come on suddenly, whereas a cold typically develops more gradually and is milder.
“Influenza generally hits with a high fever, followed by respiratory symptoms (cough, congestion) and muscular and joint aches,” Susan Hassig, DrPH, associate professor emerita of epidemiology at Tulane University and infectious disease epidemiologist for more than 35 years, told The Post. “Secondary infections, or even primary influenza, can be very serious, even life-threatening, especially for the elderly, the very young and pregnant women.”
The common cold rarely results in a high fever, but does share similar respiratory symptoms. It’s not life-threatening, per Dr. Hassig.
“The flu changes year to year, unfortunately and symptoms can range from fever, body aches, muscle fatigue and cramping, generalized malaise which can take you down for a few days,” Gandhi told The Post. “Not to mention, it’s a little more contagious then the common cold.”
The common cold can be some sniffles, congestions, running nose, sore throat, with or without fever but usually not a debilitation. “The common cold and flu, and predominantly viruses that you can get, can turn into bacterial infection later on if left unattended or worsen,” Gandhi added.
How do I know if it’s the cold or flu, or if it’s COVID?
The symptoms of the cold, flu, and COVID-19 can be similar, but there are a few distinctions.
“A cold generally presents with milder symptoms like a runny nose and congestion,” Dr. Anderson explained. “The flu tends to cause more intense body aches and fatigue. COVID-19 often includes symptoms like loss of taste or smell, which is less common with the cold or flu.”
Testing is the most reliable way to differentiate between these illnesses, so be sure to pick up an at-home COVID test just to be sure.
How do you prevent the cold and flu?
Prevention starts with getting the flu vaccine annually, which is the most effective way to reduce your risk of getting the flu, per Anderson.
“Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and wearing masks in crowded places during flu season also helps prevent the spread of both the cold and flu,” he added. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, regular exercise, reducing stress and adequate sleep can strengthen your immune system.”
If you are immunocompromised, elderly, and/or have multiple chronic medical conditions, it’s even more important to avoid contact with others that are sick with cold/flu symptoms. “Also, if diagnosed early, both flu and COVID-19 have options for antiviral treatments that can shorten the duration and severity of illness,” Anderson added.
more shopping
GENIANI King Sized Heating Pad
For pain relief, try using a heating pad to help lessen your symptoms.
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On/Go One COVID-19 Antigen Home Test
To ensure you don’t have COVID, you should *always* have this essential on hand.
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Kleenex Professional Facial Tissues (1,500-Pack)
The cold and flu essentials that you need — not in your medicine cabinet, but on your nightstand.
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