This post is sponsored by GIANT Food Stores. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
‘Tis the season for sniffles and sick days. As soon as my kids started back at school this fall they both had a cold. It never fails, right?
It definitely helps to be ready when these winter illnesses strike, and I’ve partnered with GIANT Food Stores to share some insider tips from their pharmacists on prepping for cold and flu season.
Prepping For Cold and Flu Season: 3 Tips From GIANT Pharmacists
Stock Up On Essentials
There is nothing worse than feeling too terrible to get in your car and go out to grab the medicine or supplies you need to feel better. So be ready and grab a few things to keep on hand: pain reliever, cough and cold medicines, tissues, a thermometer that works (why I have about 3 that don’t work is beyond me), and throat lozenges.
You can save a bundle on these items by shopping at GIANT and looking for their CareOne label. Same ingredients as brand name products, but they cost less. Yes, please.
Check Expiration Dates
If you haven’t looked at your cold and flu medicines since last year, do that before sickness hits. And while you’re at it, check prescription meds you might have thrown in the medicine closet, too. Once the expiration date has passed, these items are not as effective. Make a list of what you need and restock next time you shop.
Don’t Flush, Dump, or Toss
If you do find medicine that’s expired, don’t just throw it in the trash. Police departments, hospitals, and hazardous waste agencies sponsor community ‘drug take back’ programs so you can safely dispose of these. Make a couple of calls and find out where you can do this near you.
These tips are so smart. I’m definitely taking the time to get READY because you know we’re going to have a few sick days this winter. What would you add to your prep list? I’m thinking some chicken soup and hot tea!
The Giveaway
The generous folks at GIANT Food Stores are offering one of my readers a $25 GIANT gift card to help you prep for cold and flu season! This giveaway is open to US residents only (please make sure you live near enough to a GIANT that you can use the prize), ages 18+, and will end at 11:59pm on September 29, 2017.
Good luck!
Jessica To says
I need lots of tissues and a good cold and flu medicine.
Rosie says
First we need flu shots! Then some cough syrup!
HS says
I need Kleenex and Children’s Advil.
Robin Abrams says
I need a lot of soft tissues . And some good cold medicines
elizabeth miller says
For cold and flu season I need a stockpile of Kleenex, soup, children’s and adult motrin. I often need flonase and cough medicine as well.
Lauren Diaz-Cruz says
Tissues and lots of fluids.
Angela Saver says
To be prepared for cold and flu season, I need lots of tissue, ibuprofen, cough and cold medicine, and cough drops!
shelly peterson says
I need some cold meds, cough drops and tissue.
Annette says
Besides medicine, I need homemade soup (in the freezer, ready to defrost) lots of apple juice, and tissue.
ET Pruitt says
I need chamomile and mint tea
janetfaye says
I need cough drops, thermometer,, tissues and vicks rub.
Kris I. says
I’m going to stock up on tissues and medicine!
Jay Jackson says
We always like to have some chicken noddle soup ready.
jeremy mclaughlin says
Need kleenex, motrin and lots of soup.
Kristen says
I need tissues and zinc lozenges.
Elle says
I need vitamin c, tissues and hand sanitizer.
Chrissy says
We stock up on tissues, decongestant and acetaminophen in preparation for cold and flu season. Hopefully we don’t need it but better to be prepared!
kelly tupick says
In my house, i would need cough drops, it’s the one thing and almost the only thing that my daughter will take. She uses lots of tissues too.
Edye says
I always get my flu shot!
Edye recently posted..How To Smell #WickedGood This Fall {+giveaway}
Kelly D says
I need tissues and saline nasal spray.
Natalie says
I need medication, blankets, cold compresses, and tissues to prepare for cold and flu season.
Nannypanpan says
Gosh lots of tissues, ludens, ibuprofen and ginger ale
Julie Lundstrom says
I always stock up on meds to comfort the kids and Kleenex.
Jerry Marquardt says
I try to keepo stocked up just in case of a imminent attack of the sickies.