8 medicine cabinet essentials for cold, flu season

5. SORE THROAT SOOTHERS Cough drops can settle a sore throat or nagging cough, so having a bag or two on hand isn’t a bad idea. That said, you don’t want to overdo it on the lozenges,

especially if you are diabetic, since most contain sugar, Garling notes. (There are plenty of sugar-free options out there if you are watching your sugar intake.) Taking too many can also

lead to a stomachache, “but generally they’re pretty safe and they can be very soothing,” she adds. Also, be cautious about using anything that numbs the back of the throat, which can make

it difficult to swallow, Weber says. And don’t forget about some of the more obvious remedies: A cup of hot tea or a glass of ice-cold water can bring relief to an irritated throat. 6.

COUGH CALMERS    Here’s another area where you have to pay attention, since many cough medicines contain more than one ingredient — including some that older adults should avoid, like

diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which can have a sedating effect and increase the risk of falls. Diphenhydramine has also been linked in studies to increased dementia risks. Another thing to

be on the lookout for: packages with “DM” on the label, which stands for dextromethorphan, which can change your blood pressure and suppress your respiratory system, Garling says. “Really

using only one ingredient for the one thing that’s bothering you the most is typically our recommendation,” she adds. Weber suggests guaifenesin (Mucinex) to help thin and clear

mucus-causing coughs. Be sure to drink plenty of water while taking it to help the process along, he says. Some antihistamines, like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin), can also

help calm a dry, hacking cough from postnasal drip and are safer than other options, Garling adds. Don’t forget about honey: Research published in the medical journal _BMJ_ shows that honey

is an effective way to tame a cough. 7. NASAL SPRAYS A saline nasal spray can help relieve nasal congestion brought on by a cold. If you’re considering another over-the-counter nasal spray,

Weber recommends checking with the pharmacist first to make sure it won’t affect your blood pressure or worsen any other health conditions. 8. HUMIDIFIER Another cold weather must: a

mini humidifier, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says can ease a sore throat and cough brought on by common cold viruses. Steaming up the bathroom with a hot shower

will also do the trick in a pinch.  DO’S AND DON’TS FOR COLD AND FLU SEASON * DO clean out your medicine cabinet and get rid of any old or unused drugs. Check expiration dates — anything

that’s beyond its date can lose effectiveness, according to the FDA. “If there are things that are expired, get rid of those medicines and replace them with new medicines that will be more

effective and safe,” O’Rourke says. * DON’T reach for an old prescription to treat a new illness. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them, for example, can contribute to antibiotic

resistance and cause a number of side effects. Pain medications like Percocet contain acetaminophen, and if you’re taking that already as a fever reducer or pain reliever, you could be

getting too much. “It’s just really a good idea not to take any prescription medicine unless you talk to your doctor,” Weber says. * DO make sure you stay on top of refills for your other

prescription medications so you don’t have to venture out and refill routine medicines when you are ill. “It’s always appropriate to ensure that you have an adequate supply of the

prescription medications for your chronic conditions, because I wouldn’t want you feeling even worse if there’s a medicine that you need and you’ve run out of it and you’re feeling too ill

to go out and get it,” O’Rourke says.   _Editor’s note: This article, originally published Oct. 28, 2021, has been updated with new information._