It started with a little sniffly nose. And then I heard my daughter cough one too many times. Before you could say “gesundheit,” she had a full blown cold. The tissues seemed to multiply all over the floor and I was up three times in the middle of the night helping her to find relief with steam from the shower.
Getting sick when you’re a kid means a little extra attention, perhaps a day home from school and maybe a trip to the doctor. Occasionally, you may have to stomach some sour tasting medicine, but if you get to take a nap or watch TV, you can handle the trade off. Sure, you may have a sore throat or a runny nose, but you probably also get chicken noodle soup and a few of your favorite treats, too.
When you’re the adult, getting sick doesn’t come with the same perks to level out the unpleasantries. Instead, in addition to feeling crummy, you also have to foot the bill and potentially miss work, too.
These tips may not make your sinuses feel better or your cough clear up, but being sick may hurt a little less when you keep them in mind.
Save in advance
I can’t stress enough the advantage of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). If your employer or health plan offers this benefit, take advantage of the program. Whenever possible put back money for medical and OTC expenses. It’s never a question of if you’ll be sick, but when.
Be sure you know the specifics for your program. Keep in mind rules on savings limits and what those dollars can be spent on. Ask someone in the human resources department where you work if you have access to an HSA. Or simply begin setting aside funds in a separate checking account on a regular basis to be prepared when illness hits.
Rest and hydrate
Two of the best cures for the common cold are sleep and fluids. Luckily, neither of these cost a dime. Unfortunately, while viral infections can be relieved symptomatically, time really is the best medicine. You’ll need to take care of your body, but also be patient and allow the cold to take its course. Slow down and do what you can at home to heal.
Buy OTCs in advance when on sale
The last thing you want to do when you feel sick is go to the store. For this reason, it’s smart to stock up on the over-the-counter medicines that work for you before you feel a cold coming on. When you see a sale on products your family uses, pick them up in advance. Be sure to check the dates. Most cold medicines don’t expire but they do lose potency beyond the stamped date. Many have long shelf lives though, and purchasing them in advance won’t hurt.
Shopping when you’re sick lowers your defenses and can cause you to spend more money on impulse buys. Having what you need on hand immediately helps your wallet and your runny nose.
Go generic
When it comes to cough and cold medicines, there’s no need to buy name brand. Generics and store brands work effectively and cost much less. No matter what you take, be sure to read the dosage instructions and carefully follow their direction.
Also read the ingredients closely. Many cold medicines also contain secondary medicines like acetaminophen. Don’t double up on these sorts of OTCs. Only take the appropriate amount in the specified time frame.
Shop Amazon
You may be tempted to shop on Amazon on sick days, but Amazon can actually save you money to help battle colds, too. Not only can you keep your germs at home, but you can have the products you need delivered straight to your door.
Amazon Prime Now features a wide variety of products including groceries and basic pharmacy items. Services like Amazon Subscribe and Save allow you to stock up on tissues at a discount, too. Be sure you look through Amazon’s coupons to maximize your savings.
Bottom line, getting sick is never fun for your body or your budget. Take your vitamins, recall your grandma’s home remedies, eat healthy foods and sleep as much as possible. Ask your family for a little extra help around the house and a little extra love, too. If your symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to seek medical care.
While you may feel less than perfect in the moment, more than likely you’ll be back to yourself in no time at all, hopefully with your finances fully intact.
