6 Medicine Cabinet Essentials for Cold and Flu Season
Image Credit: Kelly Sikkema | @kellysikkema
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As we head into the peak of cold and flu season, it never hurts to have a few essential items in your medicine cabinet. However, we'll be the first to admit that given the pandemic, it can sometimes be hard to decipher what's truly necessary and what's become a panic purchase. While it is more important than ever to prepare, you might be surprised by the few items that cover your bases for the season.
To put our minds at ease, we asked Aysha Mansour, a licensed pharmacist, for her recommendations on which products to use and how much of them you should have on-hand. Here's what she said:
1. Infant or Children's Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Used for general aches or pains, a sore throat, and especially helpful in reducing fever. One bottle should do the trick, and it does not have to be name brand, as a generic option works just as well. They both have the same active ingredient and will produce the same results. *Remember, at any age, a fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4 or greater.
2. Thermometer
A digital rectal thermometer is the gold-standard in terms of temperature accuracy up until age three. However, the correct use of a rectal thermometer can sometimes be challenging for parents, especially as your babies become toddlers. I always recommend using whatever you think works best for you and your family, whether that's rectal, under the armpit or tongue, or inside of the ear. A forehead thermometer (also known as a temporal thermometer) is also an easy option, but environmental factors such as direct sunlight, sweat, and cold temperatures, can make them less accurate than the previously mentioned options. Before purchasing, consider your family's unique factors and use what you believe is most convenient.
3. Simple Saline Nasal Spray and a Bulb Suction or Snotsucker
This combination is important, particularly for babies or toddlers who cannot blow their nose on their own. The simple saline helps dissolve and soften thick or crusty mucus in the nose while the snotsucker, of course, is removing the mucus from the nose altogether. If the child is old enough to blow their nose independently, then simple saline will suffice.
4. An Antihistamine
Antihistamines are commonly used and marketed for seasonal allergies or allergic reactions, but are also beneficial for the common cold or flu. They provide relief of a variety of symptoms, including nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Fexofenadine (Allegra) are my go-to options as they are safe in infants six months of age and older. For children two years and older, loratadine (Claritin) is another option. Many parents are familiar with Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for themselves. However, it should only be used in children six years of age or older, and some healthcare professionals recommend steering clear of it entirely unless recommended by a physician.
5. Cool Mist Humidifier
A cool mist humidifier can help soothe and ease a cough or provide additional congestion relief. Avoid a warm mist humidifier as a safety precaution with children in the home. They both work just as well to moisten the air, so safety first!
6. Electrolyte Solution
If your little one experiences vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, we want to prevent dehydration. Pedialyte is my go-to! It comes in various forms and flavors (Powder Packs, Freezer Pops, and Classic Liters - to name a few). Ensuring your child is getting the hydration they need, without the fuss of consuming it.
There you have it - just a few things from your local pharmacy should get you through cold and flu season this year! But I encourage you always to use your best judgment when it comes to your family. Parents know when their child seems unusually ill, drowsy, or fussy. Trust your gut and consult your child's pediatrician accordingly.
And remember that you should always seek medical attention if:
Your child is less than three months old and has a fever of 100.4 or greater.
Your child is under two years old and has a fever that persists for 24 hours or more
Your child is three years old or older with a fever that lasts for more than 72 hours.
Any age child has a temperature of 104 or greater, seek immediate medical attention.
