Keeping Your Medicine Cabinet Prepared This Cold & Flu Season (NAPSA)—To avoid a cold or the flu this year, you will not need to isolate your family behind locked doors. Simple measures can help prevent a cold or flu and minimize the severity of any symptoms. With nearly 62 million cases of the common cold and 95 million cases of influenza reported each year, it is important that families take steps to be prepared for the duration of the season. “The best way to stay healthy this time of year is to take proactive steps to manage your family's health,” said Ron Sroka, pharmacist and vice president of pharmacy initiatives for Medicine Shoppe International, Inc. “Take the time to research, stock up on proper medications and consider vitamins and minerals to help prepare immune systems to fight off colds and theflu.” Vitamins and minerals that aid in boosting immune systems and minimize the symptomsof colds and the flu include: Vitamin C—antioxidant that improves white blood cell count Symptoms Zinc—mineral essential for energy metabolism and proper growth that can shorten the duration of colds Selenium—mineral that helps increase the effectiveness of other antioxidants. If you do develop a cold or the flu, smart shopping is essential to selecting the right medication and saving money. To aid in medication choices, below is a guide to medications commonly used to minimize cold and flu symptoms. Private label options for these drugs can offer significant cost savings. Consult your pharmacist or physician before taking any overthe-counter medications if you are taking prescription medications, as some over-the-counter drugs can interact with prescription medications and worsen your condition. A comprehensive drug information database with detailed information on thousands of drugs can be found at www.medi cineshoppe.com. Additional health information and a pharmacy locator are also on thesite. Recommended How it Works Examples Aching, pain, fever Analgesic Reducesfever, relieves pain Ibuprofen,aspirin, Dizziness, weakness, Tylenol Nausea Runny nose, sneezing, Antihistamine Blocks histomines, the chemical responsible for Benadryl, Claritin” Drowsiness, dry mouth Nasal congestion Decongestant Constricts blood vessels fo reduce blood supply to nasal mucus membranes, opening nasal passages Sudafed, pseudoephedrine, Nasonex” High blood pressure, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, headache Loosens phlegm and Guaifenesin, Medication itchy/wotery eyes Dry, irritated sneezing, nasal drainage and itching Antitussive/ Possible Side Effects Drowsiness, dizziness, cough expectorant increases lubrication of the Delsym”, lungs for a more productive cough Robitussin stomach, restlessness Sore throat Medicated lozenges and Soothes soreness as shortterm topical anesthetic Sucret, Halls”, Cepacol”, Dizziness, weakness, nausea, choking gargles Chloraseptic constipation, upset hazard @
