Following the deadliest flu season in 40 years last year, staying healthy as I train for the Tokyo Marathon in early March is a top priority. I’m washing my hands like a madwoman, covering my mouth when I sneeze, eating well, staying hydrated and urging my kids to do the same. Fingers crossed, we’ll be successful in keeping those nasty germs away, or strong enough to fight them off entirely.
This post is brought to you by the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition’s Know Your Dose campaign and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.
Getting sick is no fun. It feels awful to be under the weather, not to mention throws a kink in training. As a parent, having sick kiddos is even worse. I make sure we’re stocked up on everything we need to help us feel better fast.
5 ways to stay healthy when training through cold/flu season
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods
- Wash your hands often and keep your hands away from your face
- Get plenty of rest
- Read medicine labels carefully and consult your doctor or pharmacist with questions
- Be mindful of acetaminophen and make sure not to double up on the dose
The Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC) urges you to double-check your medicine labels when treating cold/flu symptoms to avoid doubling up on acetaminophen. It’s so important to be aware of medicine dosing guidelines.
Did you know that acetaminophen is found in more than 600 prescription and over-the-counter medicines?
Sometimes it’s easy to turn to a fever reducer that contains acetaminophen and then inadvertently take something for a cough that contains acetaminophen as well. Maybe the allergy medicine you take daily contains acetaminophen too. Or maybe, as athletes, we take acetaminophen to relieve muscle aches and pains, but we’re also taking something to treat cold symptoms.
Research shows that the odds of Americans taking more than the FDA-recommended dose of 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen in one day increases 24% during cold/flu season.
- Always read and follow medicine labels
- Know if your medicines contain acetaminophen
- Take only one medicine at a time that contains acetaminophen
- Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about dosing
When taken as directed, acetaminophen is safe and effective, but an overdose can lead to liver damage
It’s super important that you read medicine labels carefully, and follow directions exactly. Research shows that of those who exceed the maximum daily dose, most do so by taking the next dose too soon, using multiple products containing acetaminophen simultaneously or taking too much at one time.
Read more about dosing guidelines for treating colds and flu here. Helpful information for parents about administering medicine to infants and children is here.
How will you stay healthy during cold/flu season? Do you read medicine labels closely? Were you aware of acetaminophen dosing guidelines?
I’m linking up with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday Five.
I saw the devastating effects of a tylenol overdose back when I was a staff nurse in the PICU. Most people think it’s harmless. Great reminder to be careful with any OTC medication!
Definitely good info to know. I hate that people pop this stuff like candy.
I use ibuprofen, typically, but never for muscle soreness — only in the rare instance I have a bad headache or only at night when I’m running a fever. I must say it actually does help me sleep better then!
Thank you for the healthy tips! You must avoid a cold or the flu at all costs – you have a lot coming up! I remember when I taught school, I often got sick during marathon training season. My resistance was low due to stress and kids were always handing me papers, pencils, etc. full of germs! 😀
It is really important to read the labels of cold meds to make sure that you are doubling up on meds. Hand washing is key for sure to staying healthy.
Such great info! I hate when i see people taking that stuff like its candy on the daily.
I had always wondered about this, especially after the kids came along. Crazy how much stuff is made available OTC and how we take it for granted. Thanks for sharing!
Very good reminders! I don’t take much OTC medication but The Husband does.
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Thanks for the great info!
Thanks for the tips! I think that sometimes people don’t understand that OTC medication should not be taken like candy. Just because it’s not prescription people think it’s ‘safer’ -this is a really good reminder!
Perfect time of year for this post! I am just getting over being sick. It wasn’t the flu but pretty close. I have been fighting it since New years and finally got an antibiotic in me. This season has been so bad for everyone it sounds like it.
I have been avoiding crowds of people so as to ward off colds and flu this year. Last year my Winter cold took about 10 weeks to get over.
Thanks for the tips. I see people popping ibuprofen before they play tennis all the time. My hubby takes tylenol frequently.
U inky take it if I have a bad headache at night. Other wise, I drink a cup of coffee and that gets rid of it.
I never take ibuprofen because I’ve heard that it’s bad for your stomach.
I hope we both stay healthy for our upcoming races.
It’s so easy to mess up and take too much medicine. I actually try to refrain from taking OTC meds unless I’m super sick. I would rather reduce the risk than accidentally combine medicine!
Getting sick, especially with a stomach bug, is my least favorite thing! Luckily I’ve gotten the flu shot the last two years and so far haven’t been sick with anything! I’ll keep my fingers crossed and my hands clean though cause I do not want to break that streak!
Good tips! I don’t think many people know the potential risks of too much acetaminophen. I do my best to avoid OTC meds as much as possible. I got hit with the flu last year so I’m being hypervigilant this year!
Great point on tracking the dosage. I’m glad my daughters have stayed healthy this season and I have as well. Always important to stay hydrated and consume plenty of vegetables.
Great advice Marcia! I’m an ER nurse and see people double up on Acetaminophen all the time (or Ibuprofen, which isn’t as serious but still not good). I always remind people to read labels and know what they are taking.
Good luck on staying healthy!