Fall is here, which means so is cold and flu season. “It’s even more important than ever to take the right steps to protect yourself and your family,” says Scott Reef, owner of Reef Family Pharmacy.
Steps to Lower Your Risk
Reef frequently counsels his customers on steps they can take to stay healthy—now and year-round. To minimize contact with cold and flu germs:
- Wash your hands with soap for 15-20 seconds, or clean them with hand sanitizer whenever you have contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. These include coffee pot handles, door handles, copier machines, another person’s keyboard or phone, elevator buttons, countertops or shared books.
- Following hand washing, turn off the faucet with a paper towel.
- Dry your hands with an air dryer or clean paper towel. Then, use a paper towel to open the bathroom door.
- Clean shared items with alcohol wipes.
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes or nose with your hands, unless they have just been washed.
- Sneeze and cough into a tissue. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is ill.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle – drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, don’t smoke and decrease alcohol consumption.
- Finally, relax. Stress can decrease immunity.
If You Do Get Sick
If you get sick, Reef recommends staying home if possible. “Stay hydrated,” he advises. “Drink plenty of water or juices, between 9-13 cups per day. Also try green tea or ginger tea, which can help stimulate the immune system, and get plenty of rest.”
He suggests that patients contact their doctor or pharmacist for medications that may help. “Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, and do not help with a cold or the flu,” he said. “But your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug for the flu, which can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. Also, there are over-the-counter medications that can alleviate symptoms.”
“We know how tough it is to be ‘out and about’ when you’re not feeling well,” Reef added. “That’s why we have a free delivery service for prescriptions in Cape May County. We’re also here to talk to you about your specific concerns anytime. Stop by and see us.”
Reef Family Pharmacy is located at 804 Rt. 9 S., Cape May Court House. For more information, call (609) 465-0004 or visit www.ReefFamilyPharmacy.com.
