(BPT) - When you're feeling under the weather, it's hard to run out to the store for sick-day supplies. Instead of dragging yourself to the pharmacy for multiple pick-ups, get ahead of the cold and flu season by building a fall wellness kit.
When stocking up, help your family stay supported by choosing store brands to help with your cold and flu symptoms. Store brands deliver value with trusted health and wellness products that don't compromise on quality. Not sure where to start? CVS Pharmacy®, home to its trusted CVS brand of over-the-counter essentials and a selection of better-for-you wellness products, is an all-in-one convenient destination to create a kit that works for your family.
Check out what products from CVS Pharmacy you may want to consider stocking up on:
1. Pain relievers and fever reducers
If your medicine cabinet is running low, make sure to stock up this fall, especially since expired medicine can be less effective. Aches, pains and fevers can be some of the earliest signs of illness, and these medications can help with these symptoms so you can rest and recover more comfortably.
Pro tip: Children's pain and fever reducers come in flavors that can help the medicine go down easier, so be sure to stock up if you have little ones at home. The CVS brand even has a dye-free pain and fever liquid option for kids that's grape flavored!
2. Vitamin C supplements*
Supplements can be an easy way to get the vitamins and minerals you're looking for. While vitamin C can't treat a cold or flu, it can be a valuable addition to your fall wellness kit because it supports your immune system.
3. Vapor tablets
When you're congested and tired, a shower can help you feel a little bit more like yourself. Take your shower to the next level by using a vapor tablet. Products like CVS Shower Lavender Vapor Tablets react with water in your shower to release non-medicated vapors of eucalyptus and lavender, with refreshing scents to transform your shower into a relaxing retreat.
4. Electrolyte drinks or powders
When you're sick, your body can lose fluids and essential minerals like electrolytes. Help rehydrate yourself by having electrolyte drinks or powders on hand in addition to your usual fluids like water. Not only can they help your recovery, but they often come in tasty flavors adults and kids will love.
5. Lotion tissues
Does your nose feel dry and irritated after blowing into tissues all day? You don't have to settle for a red, chapped, sore nose. Ditch regular facial tissues and opt for lotion tissues instead. These tissues contain moisturizers to help soothe the delicate skin around your nose and reduce irritation.
6. Cold & congestion comfort
Whether it's a cough or stuffy nose, common cold and flu symptoms can make it difficult to get the rest you need. Cough drops can help soothe a scratchy throat, while options like nasal strips or a humidifier may help ease congestion.
7. At-home health checks
When you're not feeling well, having simple tools on hand can help you quickly understand what might be going on. Thermometers, pulse oximeters and at-home COVID-19 or flu tests can provide peace of mind and help you decide when you may need to seek care.
8. Healthy snacks
To keep your energy levels high so you can fight any illness that comes your way, make sure to have nourishing snacks and beverages at home. Look for foods that not only have key nutrients like protein, but taste good, which is helpful since your appetite tends to decrease when you're under the weather.
Building a fall wellness kit on a budget
You never know when you'll catch a cold or the flu. However, by building a fall wellness kit, you can provide yourself and your family with the products they may need to make it through an illness. It will also save you the hassle of heading to the store when you're feeling your worst.
Find trusted store brand over-the-counter wellness products all in one place — at your local CVS Pharmacy, or on CVS.com or the CVS Health app for delivery. With refreshed packaging and ingredient-conscious options, CVS store brand products are designed to help today's busy shoppers quickly find the products they need to get and stay well throughout sick season. Plus, ExtraCare members can save even more when shopping. To explore and shop CVS Pharmacy's store brands, visit CVS.com/ourbrands.
*Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.
