With cold and flu season here, it’s time to stock up on medication from the pharmacy. Filling and organizing your medicine cabinet before the winter begins can help you deal with coughing, sneezing, and other symptoms that tend to arise during the season. Use the tips below to ensure you have the supplies you need to remain healthy throughout the colder months.

How to Get Your Medicine Cabinet Ready for the Winter

1. Throw Out Expired Medications

First, go through your medicine cabinet and check the expiration dates on every product. Remove expired medications and take note of what needs to be replaced. Check to see if the pharmacy offers a way to safely dispose of unused medicine, such as an on-site drop-off bin or a mail-back program.

2. Make Sure Medicine Is Stored Properly

While you’re taking inventory, consider whether your current storage space is the best place for your medicine. Most medications need to be kept in a cool, dry area to prevent them from degrading. Bathroom cabinets are the most common storage spaces for medicine, but make sure the cabinet door closes tightly to keep out heat and moisture from showers and baths.

3. Have Fever & Pain Medication on Hand

Fever, headache, body aches, and sinus pressure are common symptoms of the cold and flu. Make sure you have fever and pain medication to relieve the discomfort. 

Over-the-counter solutions such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin are effective options. Read the directions on the packaging carefully and use only as directed. 

4. Pick Up Cough Medicine & Lozenges

What starts as a tickle in your throat can quickly turn into a coughing fit, which disrupts sleep and daytime activities. Pick up some cough medicine from the pharmacy to combat the symptom. 

There are plenty of brands and products formulated to address dry cough, wet cough, or both. If you have a mild cough or lingering symptoms from a cold, you may prefer lozenges to soothe your throat instead of medicine.

5. Get Some Decongestants

Both the cold and flu can cause sneezing and a stuffy, runny nose. These symptoms can make breathing more difficult and lower your quality of life. Add decongestants to your medicine list to clear up your nasal passages and make the season more enjoyable.

If you need to stock up on over-the-counter medicine for the winter, come to Hickman’s Pharmacy in Princeton. Proudly serving Southern West Virginia since 1947, this pharmacy carries a broad selection of high-quality medications, vitamins, and medical equipment at affordable prices. If you need to fill or refill a prescription, they guarantee quick service and have a drive-through window when you’re in a rush. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (304) 425-2188 if you have any questions about their products.