Women's Health

Treating Cold and Flu: Your Shopping List

From the Grocery

Warm liquids

Warm liquids like tea and soup may soothe a sore throat and help relieve congestion. Black tea and green tea have disease-fighting antioxidants. Decaffeinated herbal tea can be soothing and hydrating.

Tissues

Be sure to throw away a tissue after wiping your nose. Used tissues can spread the cold virus to whatever they touch.

Disinfectants

Disinfectants can help clean surfaces like door handles, keyboards, and light switches of cold germs. When you can't wash your hands, gel sanitizers or alcohol-based wipes with 60%-90% alcohol get rid of germs.

Other items to have on hand:

• Honey. Honey in warm water or tea can help relieve a cough or sore throat. Don't give honey to a child under 1 year old.
• Citrus fruits and juices (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes). It's not clear whether these fruits -- rich in vitamin C -- will help prevent or treat a cold. But they are loaded with antioxidants that are good for your overall health.