By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva

As cold and flu season ramps up, health experts are reminding the public to take preventive measures and prepare for common seasonal illnesses. Dr. Amy Lynn Safaty, Pharmacy District Leader for CVS Pharmacy, describes some of the cold and flu symptoms appearing this season.

“This year if you are experiencing a cold typically you might have symptoms like a staphy nose, congestion, headache, and feeling tired. But if you have the flu, those symptoms are going to be a lot more severe and you’ll probably have things like a fever and body aches coupled with it. So, it’s a really good idea to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself during this season, getting enough rest, trying to stay hydrated and keeping some essentials on hand in case you do happen to get sick.”

Safaty said the first step to avoiding illness is for those six months and older to receive a flu shot. Sickness still happens, so it’s wise to have a toolkit ready for cold and flu season. Safaty suggests stocking up on decongestants, electrolytes, and pain relievers. It’s also important to check expiration dates on medications, as expired products may lose effectiveness. To save money, she said store brands are just as effective as name brands.

“The store brand goes through the same rigorous testing as the leading national brand. So, they are tested through the same safety and efficacy testing through the FDA. And they’re going to have the same effect but just be a lot cheaper. I always recommend the store brand to my patients.”

Safaty does caution that some over-the-counter cold medicines can interact with prescription drugs, especially for those managing high blood pressure or depression. She says to always consult your physician before mixing medicines with prescriptions.

More information can be found at CVS.com.