Out of all four seasons, fall is probably my favorite by far. I’m obsessed with the crisp cool air, the ability to wear jeans again, and the cozy sweatshirts that are to die for. The only downside about the weather cooling down is that it also means it’s cold and flu season. Before the flu season really gets going, I want to share with you how I’m preparing for flu season this year with Sam’s Club.

Every year, I add a line on my To Do list to make sure that I stop by Sam’s Club for my yearly flu shot and to stock up on the essentials that my family might need in the upcoming months. As a busy pharmacist, I’ve come to quickly realized that I don’t have the extra time to make multiple trips to the store to stock up on the necessities. I love being able to shop at Sam’s Club because it’s so convenient being able to knock out two birds with one stone by grabbing everything that I need at one place and getting my flu shot. A few things that I always keep in my flu sick kit are pain relievers, Vitamin C, guaifenesin, cough drops, and of course the combination cough and cold products. Those are usually the things that I reach for the most whenever Nci or I get sick.

Being a healthcare professional, getting my flu shot every year is especially important to me. Not only do I interact with sick patients on a regular basis with my position, but I also do it to protect my family members who can’t get the flu shot due to multiple health reasons. It’s a simple task that I can do to protect my family and the lives of my patients. And the best part about getting my flu shot at Sam’s Club is that I was able to easily schedule my appointment online at samsclub.com/pharmacy.

When I arrived for my appointment, I didn’t have to fill out any paperwork in the store, and I was able to head on my merry way very quickly. If you are wanting to get your flu shot at Sam’s Club (member or not), anyone can drop by and get their shot, including the kiddos in certain states. The flu shot has a $0 co-pay with most insurance plans, and you may even be able to save money on your prescriptions needs. Be sure to check with your local Sam’s club for more details.

Shopping at Sam’s Club is honestly a no-brainer so what are you waiting for? Find your local Sam’s Club location here.

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Stay Up to Date on Your Vaccines

Vaccines should be a given, but I’m going to include it just in case. Getting your flu shot and any other vaccines that you need is easily the most important health tip! At most student health centers, vaccines are either completely free or at low-cost to students, so take advantage of it next time you’re walking by. A shot only takes a few seconds and prevent you from having some serious illnesses later on.  

Wash Your Hands Regularly

Let’s be real, people are dirty, and you never know what germs you’re picking up throughout the day. Things like railings, door handles, elevator buttons, exercise equipment, and desks are breeding grounds for some nasty bugs that you don’t want to catch this season. Make it a habit to carry hand sanitizer around with you so you can sanitize anytime on the go.

Sleep 7-8 hours a night

Sleep is the most important aspect to make sure that you stay healthy in college. When you’re sleep deprived, your immune system actually weakens, which makes it a lot harder to fight off any bugs that you come into contact with. Forget trying to pull any all-nighter this season or you’re in serious trouble! Head to bed a few hours earlier than normal to make sure your body gets the rest it needs. 

Avoid Sharing Everything

Sharing is not caring during the flu and cold season! Try to avoid sharing with people that even seem that they may have the snuffles. Don’t share food, drinks, or anything else that may get infected with their germs. If you can’t help it, then make sure to disinfect anything that they’ve come in contact with afterwards and wash your hands any chance that you get.

Bundle Up!

Remember when your mom used to tell you to cover up before leaving the house on a cold day? Well she wasn’t crazy! The whole point of covering up, especially your chest, is to hopefully prevent you from getting a cold and a sore throat. You can still look cute this season but put on a coat and a scarf before leaving the house. You can always take it off once you arrive at your destination.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is super important and helps your immune system have the energy to fight against any infection. Plus your body needs water to survive so give it what it needs. It’s recommended to drink 8-9 cups of water daily to meet your body’s needs. The easiest way that I’ve noticed to keep up with my water intake is to carry around a cute water bottle and to flavor the water with berries, lemons, and other fruits that’ll make my drink taste like more than just plain ol’ water. 

Eat Healthy Meals & Snacks

I feel like I’ve mentioned this tip before in a previous post, but either way it’s still solid advice! Getting healthy meals and snacks will increase your energy level and give your body the boost that it needs to keep on going. When I was taking exams back to back, eating a good solid meal before one of them always made me feel so much better. Junk food wears you down and makes you feel exhausted instead of fueled like you should be. So skip the fatty snacks and cookies for a nice green apple or a cooked meal, if you want to stay healthy this season.

Stay Away from Alcohol

This tip is for the same reason as the other tips. Your mind, body, and soul have to be healthy and in-line if you are planning on staying healthy in college. Alcohol is essentially a poison, and it’s unnecessary for life. Now while it can be fun at dinner or during a night out, don’t make it a habit of drinking on a regular basis. Alcohol is known to cause memory loss and other health problems, especially during binge drinking episodes or long-term use. Any time that I’m gearing up for a big day, I skip my glass of wine or cocktail for a week before an exam or any time that I’m not feeling that great. It’s made a big difference, I promise!

While I love the changing of the seasons, I don’t love the viruses and bugs that subsequently come with it. It’s no fun being sick in college, especially when you’re stressed out about life, homework, and relationships. I hope that you learned a few tips in today’s post! Leave a comment below with your favorite ways to fight off a cold!

You may also like: The Ultimate Guide to Acing Your Final Exams, 7 Ways to Stay Fit & Healthy in College, and My Top 6 Favorite Nude Lip Products

The post How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.