A few pharmacy hacks can keep the cold and flu from taking your family out.
As the holiday season rolls in, it can be a challenge to keep everyone healthy. Not only is it peak cold and flu season, but we’re stressed, we’re busy… it’s cold! We’re exposed to a lot of germs, but you can still keep your family feeling their best.
Phil Cowley shared pharmacy hacks to stay as healthy as possible. He shared supplements and other over-the-counter remedies to keep sickness away.
One of the most frustrating parts of cold and flu season is how quickly illness spreads within a family. “When one kid brings home a cold, the little kid gives it to the bigger one and it cycles through the family for the rest of forever,” Phil said. This cycle can really put a damper on your holidays, so tackling symptoms before they spread is the key.
Hand Hygiene
Effective hand hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. Phil recommended using Hibiclens, a 4% Chlorhexidine wash used in medical settings. “They use it before they do surgeries when they do hand washing,” Phil explained.
But, it can be very drying for your skin. To make it more hydrating, he suggested taking about a quarter of your favorite lotion out of the tub, and add in what you took out in Hibiclens. That will reduce the concentration to 1%.”You don’t need the full 4% for it to help with the viruses, the cold, whatever your kids are coming in with.” Phil explained. “Then, you get the sterilizing agent, but you get it in a more moisturizing fashion.”
Nasal Protection
Another important preventive measure is protecting the nasal passages, which are a common entry point for viruses. “If we can help create a barrier inside the nose… we get to reduce the number of colds and flus that we have,” Phil explained.
He advised using Ponaris, a nasal spray with a little bit of potassium iodine, which helps loosen up all the phlegm, and essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint. Mix about a quarter of a teaspoon with your regular nasal spray. “With that moisture in your nose, the barrier between that virus and the inside of you gets bigger,” Phil emphasized.
Alternatives to Common Cold Medicines
The FDA has found that Phenylephrine, a common decongestant, is ineffective. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of some over-the-counter cold medicines. Phil suggested using Dramamine instead of NyQuil. “You could replace NyQuil with a little Dramamine and you’re going to get about the same effect,” he said. You can also combine Delsym and Tylenol instead of DayQuil.
Find more advice from Phil on Instagram, @philsmypharmacist, or at philsmypharmacist.com.
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