9 Essential Medicine Cabinet Updates to Make Before the 2026 Flu Season

5. Hydration and electrolyte support: simple, effective choices

Staying hydrated is basic but powerful. Flu illness often reduces appetite and increases fluid loss through fever and sweating, so keeping simple rehydration options in the cabinet supports recovery. Stock oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks for adults and children, plus easy-to-swallow options like clear broths and diluted fruit juices. For infants and toddlers, speak with a pediatrician about specific fluid choices and volumes. Plain water remains essential, but a small supply of balanced electrolyte solutions helps if someone is notably weak or not eating. Avoid high-sugar sports drinks as a primary option for children; select products labeled for rehydration or mix mild homemade solutions as instructed by a clinician. Rest and light nutrition, such as warm broths, gentle teas, and soft fruits, complement hydration to provide both fluids and easy calories needed during recovery. Keep a visual reminder—like a marked water bottle—so caregivers can track intake over 12–24 hours. Hydration is a practical step that aligns with an integrative approach to illness: it supports physiology and improves comfort.

6. Cough care: expectorants, suppressants, and throat soothers

Not all coughs are the same, and selected remedies help in different ways. Expectorants loosen mucus to ease productive coughs, while suppressants reduce the urge to cough when sleep or rest is disrupted. Choose adult or child formulations appropriately and read labels to avoid overlapping active ingredients. For children under one year, do not use honey; for those older than one, a teaspoon of honey may soothe the throat at night. Throat lozenges and warm drinks provide comfort and help control cough intensity. When cough is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by breathing difficulty, seek medical evaluation rather than relying solely on over-the-counter options. Non-drug measures—humidified air, steam inhalation, and elevated pillows at night—often reduce cough frequency and support better sleep. If household members have chronic respiratory conditions, coordinate cough care with their existing treatment plan and clinician recommendations. Thoughtful cough care eases symptoms while reducing unnecessary medication use, which supports steady recovery and clear communication with health providers.