Prepping For Cold and Flu Season: 3 Tips From GIANT Pharmacists + $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

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!