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What to stock in your medicine cabinet for cold and flu season : NPR
NPR • • health
Key Points:
- Cold and flu season in the U.S. runs from October through May, with dropping temperatures and drier air increasing susceptibility to respiratory viruses like the common cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19.
- Experts recommend preparing a cold and flu kit with symptom-specific over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, fever reducers, antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants, along with items like honey, thermometers, nasal saline sprays, and hydration fluids.
- Preventative measures include disinfecting surfaces, vaccination, and handwashing, though no method guarantees complete protection against illness.
- Parents should be cautious with medication dosages for children, avoid certain drugs for very young kids, and consider natural remedies like honey for cough relief in children over 12 months.
- Seek medical attention if severe symptoms occur, including high or prolonged fever, breathing difficulties, dehydration signs, confusion, or extreme irritability, especially in infants and young children.
