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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While I love the summer months, there’s something so special about the fall season. It’s a season of change, growth, and of course all of the cozy vibes. I’m ready for the hot chocolate nights, oversized sweaters, and pumpkins galore. But the one thing that is definitely on my to-do list this season is to get my flu shot! So in the spirit of flu season, I wanted to share with you my sick kit essentials, all of which can be found at Sam’s Club!

Did you know that you can get your flu shot at Sam’s Club Pharmacy (non-members too) as well? 

Sick Kit Essentials You Need in Your Own Kit

Naproxen (or Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen): All three of these products are great for inflammation, pain relief, and for bringing down a fever. I know that when I get sick, everything seems to hurt and ache, so I always make sure to have something for pain in my household.

• But not everyone can take ibuprofen or naproxen, so ask your pharmacist or doctor before using if you have any kidney issues or taking a blood thinner.
• Double check all combination cough and cold products because many of them have acetaminophen in them as a main ingredient and you don’t want to take more than necessary.

Combination Cough and Cold Products: Of course, the one product that you need in your sick kit is a combination cough and cold product. The great thing about combination products is that they include multiple medications and can address multiple different issues, all in one product. Just double check any and all products that you use because many of them have the same ingredients.

Guaifenesin: One of my staple products that I keep in my home is Guaifenesin. It’s an expectorant that is great for helping to break up any mucus in your chest, which makes it easier for you to cough it up and get the gunk out of your body. You’ll want to use this when you have a “wet” cough and take with plenty of water. Water is a natural expectorant and its “free-99”!

Dextromethorphan: Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant so it’s perfect to use if you have a cough that is keeping you up at night or preventing you from doing your normal activities.

Cough drops: If you have to continue working through a sickness, definitely keep a pack of cough drops handy! There’s nothing worse than constantly coughing throughout the day while you’re working. I always keep a berry or lemon-flavored kind in my sick kit.

Vitamin C tablets: Anytime Titi and I start to feel even the slightest bit sick, we start taking our Vitamin C supplements to help our body fight off any potential illness. You can get this huge bottle of MembersMark Vitamin C tablets from Sam’s Club that will definitely last you the entire year!

Soup: Nothing is better than a hot bowl of soup when you’re feeling under the weather. Add a few of your favorites to your sick kit so you’re never out of your favorite soup options.

Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated is super important, especially when you’re sick. I recommend either keeping a water bottle or any other electrolyte drink handy.

Disinfecting Wipes: To spot the spread of the flu or any other illness, it’s important to wipe down everything and keep things as clean as possible. Germs love to live on things, including TV remotes, doorknobs, etc, so wipe them down as often as possible to make sure nobody else in your home gets sick too.

Thermometer: I feel like a thermometer is one of those items that you need to have in your sick kit, but you never think about it until you’re super sick and can’t move from the couch. So don’t be like me, go ahead and buy one and keep it ready.

Tissues: Have you ever tried blowing your nose in regular toilet tissue? Yea it’s not as fun or as soft as tissues made for your nose. I promise you; you need to add this to your sick kit. It’ll save your nose time and time again from being dry, red, and cracked from blowing your nose constantly.

If you need to pick up any items for your own sick kit, then head on over to your local Sam’s Club Pharmacy! What I love most about Sam’s Club is the convenience of shopping with them. I can head to one place and get all of the cough, cold, and flu seasonal items (like tissues, hand sanitizers, OTC medications, etc) that I need, as well as the flu shot. If you are a Sam’s Club Member, you can get exclusive discounted rates at the pharmacy for any of your prescription needs, but member or not, anyone can get a Flu Shot at Sam’s Club. It’s honestly a no-brainer which is why I’ll keep shopping with them for all of my essentials!

What are you including in your sick kit this season? I’d love to hear what items are necessities in your household!

The post How to Make an Emergency Sick Kit for Flu Season appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.