Call 12: Flu must-haves for your family
The flu season is just getting started and before it hits your family, there are a few things you'll want to stock up on
These five items for your grocery list will get your family feeling better, and hopefully stop the flu virus from spreading.
For at-home treatment, you'll need:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Pedialyte
- Kefir, which is a probiotic
- Handsoap
- Hand sanitizer
Once you have gathered these items, remember that you need top stay hydrated with water and a few other things. According to Dr. Mark Gettleman, pediatrician at Dr. Goofy Gettwell, your body needs more than just water when you're sick.
"It needs glucose and electrolytes, things like Pedialyte, Gatorade or sports drinks," Dr. Gettleman said. "Kefir is a wonderful substitute to take if you can handle it, because there is probiotics in that, which will help you get better faster."
Hand soap and hand sanitizer can help prevent the flu or cold from getting in your house, but you have to take a few extra steps.
"Sharing is good, but not in this case," Dr. Gettleman said. "These little buggers can live on surfaces anywhere from two to eight hours. So it is important to sanitize after someone coughs or sneezes, otherwise your family is going to get it."