As winter approaches and cold weather rolls in, flu season is also upon us. Your pharmacist can help you stay informed, be prepared with flu shots and the necessary pharmaceuticals, and provide OTC recommendations.

Some of the ways your pharmacist can help during flu season are:

1. Recommending healthy habits. Your pharmacist can help you understand the benefits of healthy practices during flu season including:

• • Avoid close contact with sick family or friends
• • Stay at home when sick- sharing your illness will only prolong exposure
• • Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing
• • Wash hands thoroughly and often
• • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes
• • Clean surfaces, doorknobs, and bedding at home frequently to help eliminate germs

1. Administer flu vaccines. Many pharmacists can now administer flu vaccines during the flu season, so you do not have to make an appointment with your physician. This saves time and money and keeps you out of germ-filled waiting rooms.

2. Provide therapeutic prescriptions. If you are prescribed a medication, often when seen by a doctor within 48 hours of symptom onset, your pharmacist can fill your prescription, so you can start feeling better faster. Some of your local pharmacies are now available to provide brief visits so you can avoid the doctor's office altogether.

3. Recommend over-the-counter drugs. Symptom management is something your pharmacist can help with by recommending OTC remedies for pain, congestion, sore throat, cough, or other flu seasons.