Frugal Flu and Cold Season Stock-Up

[Chocolate Lover]

Jan 11, 2019 8:22:24 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I"m going to bookmark this thread so if I get the flu I'll figure out whose house I'm headed to for meds. I think Iggy will be my first choice. Should say partly because I've never been to Colorado so kinda kill two birds with one stone sort of thing.

<<sighs in relief>>  

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 11, 2019 12:18:37 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

Jan 11, 2019 8:22:24 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I"m going to bookmark this thread so if I get the flu I'll figure out whose house I'm headed to for meds. I think Iggy will be my first choice. Should say partly because I've never been to Colorado so kinda kill two birds with one stone sort of thing.

<<sighs in relief>>  

Well, if it is sNOwing I might have to head East instead

[Chocolate Lover]

Jan 11, 2019 12:28:31 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Jan 11, 2019 12:18:37 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

<<sighs in relief>>  

Well, if it is sNOwing I might have to head East instead

Don't bring me your germs!! Iggy has way more space for them!! 

[Iggy aka IG]

Only a 20% chance of sNOw today, and then we're in the clear until next week.  Apparently. 

[Tiny]

I'm an outrider... I don't bother with "flu/cold medications" - mostly because they make me feel worse not better.

Here's what I keep on hand to weather the flu (and to make a cold less awful):

Kleenex
Ibuprofen (for fever and/or aches)

I'm not a fan of canned soups (they feel oily/slippery and taste way too salty or just plain weird to me). But, if I did eat them I'd have a 2 or 3 cans on hand.
Instead I have "chicken broth" in a box/"Veggie broth" in a box on hand OR It's Better Than Bullion bullion stuff in the fridge.
Frozen "veggies for soup" mix in a bag (or a can of mixed veggies on the shelf)
Canned chicken.

I combine all of those to make soup quickly in one pot in the microwave. If I make some pasta/noodles or rice I'll add that.

Various teas

Salt (and hot water) for sore throat.

I also have a "rice sock" - which is just that - white rice in a 100% cotton sock (a large knee sock) - that goes in the microwave and is used like an old time hot water bottle.
(I use the 'rice sock" often - even when I'm not sick. The heat is nice on sore shoulders or cold hands or for cold feet when you first get into bed.)

Whisky or Brandy (to be used medicinally as a 'shot' right before bed or in tea right before bed.)

And then I just hang out in bed (with the cats) OR maybe the couch (with the cats). If I'm really sick I stay home. No one at work needs to listen to me constantly blowing my nose or coughing. And if i have the flu - odds are I will have a fever - and I get really cranky and angry and ugly when I'm achy and 101 fever-y. Or worse it's a high one... and it's no fun to be away from home when the "little green wheels" start following me (sorry David Bowie) because my temp is so high and I'm a little hallucinate-y. Actually, I'm kind of surprised my innards haven't cooked yet with all the really high fevers I've run over my life time. ::shrug::

[nittanycheme]

Jan 11, 2019 4:08:11 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Jan 10, 2019 20:15:03 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

I have a friend who cannot do the flu vaccine. She uses antibiotic ointment in her nose with a q tip. Her whole family got sick and she was fine. I’m doing it myself especially on hospital days.

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral. The flu is viral.

Its probably the ointment part that is keeping the inside of her nose from drying out, which helps it do its job.  You could do the same thing with petroleum jelly, or keeping your house humidified.  Although the humidification thing doesn't help once you leave the house.

I just bought a giant box of the good Advil Cold & Sinus from Costco for a really good price.  I had a horrible cold, and it helped a lot.  I also use one of those nose washes - not the neti pot, the one with the squeeze bottle.  I can use a little more pressure with the squeeze bottle and it really helps clear out my nose/sinuses.

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 11, 2019 13:59:53 GMT -5 Tiny said:

I'm an outrider... I don't bother with "flu/cold medications" - mostly because they make me feel worse not better.

Here's what I keep on hand to weather the flu (and to make a cold less awful):

Kleenex
Ibuprofen (for fever and/or aches)

I'm not a fan of canned soups (they feel oily/slippery and taste way too salty or just plain weird to me). But, if I did eat them I'd have a 2 or 3 cans on hand.
Instead I have "chicken broth" in a box/"Veggie broth" in a box on hand OR It's Better Than Bullion bullion stuff in the fridge.
Frozen "veggies for soup" mix in a bag (or a can of mixed veggies on the shelf)
Canned chicken.

I combine all of those to make soup quickly in one pot in the microwave. If I make some pasta/noodles or rice I'll add that.

Various teas

Salt (and hot water) for sore throat.

I also have a "rice sock" - which is just that - white rice in a 100% cotton sock (a large knee sock) - that goes in the microwave and is used like an old time hot water bottle.
(I use the 'rice sock" often - even when I'm not sick. The heat is nice on sore shoulders or cold hands or for cold feet when you first get into bed.)

Whisky or Brandy (to be used medicinally as a 'shot' right before bed or in tea right before bed.)

And then I just hang out in bed (with the cats) OR maybe the couch (with the cats). If I'm really sick I stay home. No one at work needs to listen to me constantly blowing my nose or coughing. And if i have the flu - odds are I will have a fever - and I get really cranky and angry and ugly when I'm achy and 101 fever-y. Or worse it's a high one... and it's no fun to be away from home when the "little green wheels" start following me (sorry David Bowie) because my temp is so high and I'm a little hallucinate-y. Actually, I'm kind of surprised my innards haven't cooked yet with all the really high fevers I've run over my life time. ::shrug::

I don't even have aspirin in the house. Hence, my reason for going to Iggy's in case I get the flu. And a reason to visit Colorado. I get "yelled" at for not getting flu shot, and all the other old pEEps vaccines.  

[Iggy aka IG]

Jan 11, 2019 14:14:32 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Jan 11, 2019 13:59:53 GMT -5 Tiny said:

I'm an outrider... I don't bother with "flu/cold medications" - mostly because they make me feel worse not better.

Here's what I keep on hand to weather the flu (and to make a cold less awful):

Kleenex
Ibuprofen (for fever and/or aches)

I'm not a fan of canned soups (they feel oily/slippery and taste way too salty or just plain weird to me). But, if I did eat them I'd have a 2 or 3 cans on hand.
Instead I have "chicken broth" in a box/"Veggie broth" in a box on hand OR It's Better Than Bullion bullion stuff in the fridge.
Frozen "veggies for soup" mix in a bag (or a can of mixed veggies on the shelf)
Canned chicken.

I combine all of those to make soup quickly in one pot in the microwave. If I make some pasta/noodles or rice I'll add that.

Various teas

Salt (and hot water) for sore throat.

I also have a "rice sock" - which is just that - white rice in a 100% cotton sock (a large knee sock) - that goes in the microwave and is used like an old time hot water bottle.
(I use the 'rice sock" often - even when I'm not sick. The heat is nice on sore shoulders or cold hands or for cold feet when you first get into bed.)

Whisky or Brandy (to be used medicinally as a 'shot' right before bed or in tea right before bed.)

And then I just hang out in bed (with the cats) OR maybe the couch (with the cats). If I'm really sick I stay home. No one at work needs to listen to me constantly blowing my nose or coughing. And if i have the flu - odds are I will have a fever - and I get really cranky and angry and ugly when I'm achy and 101 fever-y. Or worse it's a high one... and it's no fun to be away from home when the "little green wheels" start following me (sorry David Bowie) because my temp is so high and I'm a little hallucinate-y. Actually, I'm kind of surprised my innards haven't cooked yet with all the really high fevers I've run over my life time. ::shrug::

I don't even have aspirin in the house. Hence, my reason for going to Iggy's in case I get the flu. And a reason to visit Colorado. I get "yelled" at for not getting flu shot, and all the other old pEEps vaccines.  

Yeah, I'm supposed to get one, too, being an asthmatic.  yadda yadda yadda....  Up until this season, I've always gotten one.  But then, up until this season, I've gotten sick anyway so....  If I would have gotten one, would it have hit so hard?  Who knows? 

_{And, when you come, NNP, I promise not to yell at you.  (Preps the bar, opens the vinyl cabinet)} 

[Tiny]

Jan 11, 2019 14:18:56 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Jan 11, 2019 14:14:32 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I don't even have aspirin in the house. Hence, my reason for going to Iggy's in case I get the flu. And a reason to visit Colorado. I get "yelled" at for not getting flu shot, and all the other old pEEps vaccines.  

Yeah, I'm supposed to get one, too, being an asthmatic.  yadda yadda yadda....  Up until this season, I've always gotten one.  But then, up until this season, I've gotten sick anyway so....  If I would have gotten one, would it have hit so hard?  Who knows? 

_{And, when you come, NNP, I promise not to yell at you.  (Preps the bar, opens the vinyl cabinet)} 

They say the flu MIGHT be less severe if you have had a flu vaccine.    I guess it also depends on severe your asthma is and how damaged your lungs are.   Even a less severe/shorter run of the flu can be overwhelming.     Asthma messes with your lungs/airways (inflammation - maybe scarring) AND Flu messes with your lungs/airways (inflammation/scarring).   I would think having the flu would put a lot of stress on your lungs/airways (which might already be under some stress from asthma).   It's like you get a double whammy from the flu (your lungs might not be so efficient at recovering due to the effects of asthma).          If it was me, I'd opt to get the flu shot every season  (if the drs said it was ok to do so).   

 

[wvugurl26]

I can't get it because of the egg. My allergy doctor said no way. Says she'll monitor me for the need for hospitalization if I do get the flu. The non egg one is not widely distributed and I've had no luck the past few years.

I read the CDC's take on it. It should only be administered to me by medical professionals trained and prepared to handle anaphylaxis. I can't imagine anyone is going to do that.

I do make my DH get his. He fusses but he does it. I tell him I need herd immunity from him. Plus he tends to pick up all kinds of stupid viruses and one to two day junk.

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 11, 2019 14:42:59 GMT -5 wvugurl26 said:

I can't get it because of the egg. My allergy doctor said no way. Says she'll monitor me for the need for hospitalization if I do get the flu. The non egg one is not widely distributed and I've had no luck the past few years.

I read the CDC's take on it. It should only be administered to me by medical professionals trained and prepared to handle anaphylaxis. I can't imagine anyone is going to do that.

I do make my DH get his. He fusses but he does it. I tell him I need herd immunity from him. Plus he tends to pick up all kinds of stupid viruses and one to two day junk.

That's what I count on. So far it has worked. Never had shot but then I've never had the flu in my life. Probably putting a hex on myself. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Jan 11, 2019 14:34:16 GMT -5 Tiny said:

Jan 11, 2019 14:18:56 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Yeah, I'm supposed to get one, too, being an asthmatic.  yadda yadda yadda....  Up until this season, I've always gotten one.  But then, up until this season, I've gotten sick anyway so....  If I would have gotten one, would it have hit so hard?  Who knows? 

_{And, when you come, NNP, I promise not to yell at you.  (Preps the bar, opens the vinyl cabinet)} 

They say the flu MIGHT be less severe if you have had a flu vaccine.    I guess it also depends on severe your asthma is and how damaged your lungs are.   Even a less severe/shorter run of the flu can be overwhelming.     Asthma messes with your lungs/airways (inflammation - maybe scarring) AND Flu messes with your lungs/airways (inflammation/scarring).   I would think having the flu would put a lot of stress on your lungs/airways (which might already be under some stress from asthma).   It's like you get a double whammy from the flu (your lungs might not be so efficient at recovering due to the effects of asthma).          If it was me, I'd opt to get the flu shot every season  (if the drs said it was ok to do so).   

 

Agreed.  It was simply one of those, "Oh, I still need to do that".... Then boom!  December was here, and Santa brought us the flu.  Too late. 

I have heard at risk should get a flu shot in the fall, and again in spring....

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Jan 11, 2019 14:34:16 GMT -5 Tiny said:

Jan 11, 2019 14:18:56 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Yeah, I'm supposed to get one, too, being an asthmatic.  yadda yadda yadda....  Up until this season, I've always gotten one.  But then, up until this season, I've gotten sick anyway so....  If I would have gotten one, would it have hit so hard?  Who knows? 

_{And, when you come, NNP, I promise not to yell at you.  (Preps the bar, opens the vinyl cabinet)} 

They say the flu MIGHT be less severe if you have had a flu vaccine.    I guess it also depends on severe your asthma is and how damaged your lungs are.   Even a less severe/shorter run of the flu can be overwhelming.     Asthma messes with your lungs/airways (inflammation - maybe scarring) AND Flu messes with your lungs/airways (inflammation/scarring).   I would think having the flu would put a lot of stress on your lungs/airways (which might already be under some stress from asthma).   It's like you get a double whammy from the flu (your lungs might not be so efficient at recovering due to the effects of asthma).          If it was me, I'd opt to get the flu shot every season  (if the drs said it was ok to do so).   

 

Several years ago, I went home from work thinking I was coming down with the flu.  I had gotten my flu shot (and have been immunized against the flu since around 1994 or so).  I felt like someone had beat up on me, my body HURT.  I stopped on the way home from work and picked up some soup, crackers and made sure that I had enough of whatever meds would be necessary.  I crawled onto the sofa and took a nap.  I got up a few hours later still feeling like crap but went to bed.

I woke up the next morning and I was perfectly fine.  12 hours earlier, I felt like I was dying and now.....nothing.  All that I could think of was that either I had caught the flu from an previous year's strain that I had been immunized against and it took some time for my immune system to kick in, or that I had caught the current flu bug and it had mutated slightly.  No matter.....it made a believer out of me.

I wish they had a vaccine against the rhinovirus, but the last time I looked at ATCC for rhinovirus strains there were pages of virus strains.

[Anne_in_VA]

I have COPD and I always get a flu shot in September or October.  I’ve still gotten the flu but I think it helps me keep from getting bronchitis.  I’ve gotten bronchitis anyway, but I would have gotten it after a cold anyway.

I keep Advil Cold and Sinus, Tylenol, Aleve, lots of tissues, various teas, a heating pad (for aches and pains), I make DH get me several containers of wonton soup which I will eat for as long as it lasts, Mucinex DM on hand.  DH likes Sudafed, but it doesn’t seem to do anything for me other than to make my nose run.  

[Iggy aka IG]

Anne_in_VA , I'm with you.  After getting the flu at Christmas and subsequent pneumonia last week, I will never be "too busy" to get a flu shot again.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Checking in with a status report:

DH ended up buying a large bottle of extra strength Tylenol and more cough syrup per my request since I was still sick.

Last week on payday I bought TP on sale with an e-coupon and BOGO vitamin C (DH and I each take one daily) and a 4-pack of chicken noodle soup (under $4), just to have a few on hand until I can get to Sam's Club.

Yesterday I bought a twin pack of generic allergy pills (for Claritin).  $12 for 120 tablets. This is something I take daily and generic (check with your doc) helps save a TON of money.  I also bought a package of Musinex DM to keep on hand.  Just under $12.  I need to start saving coupons for it.  And I bought a few oranges.  Did you know you can keep citrus in the fridge?  I did not know this until watching The Pioneer Woman, and then I Googled to verify.

And if you do end up getting prescribed antibiotics, yogurt is good to have on hand.  I was excited to find Silk dairy free yesterday at WM.  Just had vanilla with a few blueberries tossed in.  Delish!

Oh, and here at the office, since I spend 1/3+ of my weekday hours here, I have cough syrup, Ibuprofen, extra fem products and a First Aid kit.  I like to be comfortable!

Speaking of fem stuff, it's important to have that on hand, too.  Who wants to go shopping for that stuff when down with the flu??

And, not sure if someone mentioned it prior, but a humidifier is good, too.

[swamp]

I ALWAYS have ibuprofen on hand.  I eat it like M&M's.     

[megaptera]

Haven't had a flu shot in a decade. I make this every year and swallow a shot every few days during flu season. It works for me, but I'm a stay-at-home mom and a homebody. 

I'm (mostly recovered) asthmatic too, so I get the need for getting the flu shot early. Hope you're feeling better, Iggy aka IG  

[Iggy aka IG]

Thanks, megaptera!!  And, whoa!  That recipe looks hardcore!  If I were any sort of bug, I'd run screaming from my host body, too, LOL!

And yes, I do better when hiding out at my office, since the only people I come into contact with are walk-in clients, and I wash after they leave.  DH and I are thinking we caught the flu bug from someone at the resort we went to before Christmas.    All the more reason to hate people. 

[Anne_in_VA]

I am a homebody and always seem to get sick after I’ve been out all day shopping.  I do try to use wipes for the store carts and sanitizer, but for some reason I get sick every..damn..time!  I do keep a humidifier going in the winter most of the time since we have blown hot air heat which is very dry.  If I’m sick I keep one in the bedroom too.

[countrygirl2]

Sounds like me, perhaps its because we aren't out more and get exposed to more germs and when we get around any we catch it.  Hard to say.  I just know I've never had much immunity.