Stay Healthy This Fall: Over-the-Counter Essentials for Florida’s Flu Season

As the Florida air cools (just a little!) and we move into fall, so does flu season. Between busy school schedules, holiday gatherings, and our unpredictable weather swings, many Floridians look for ways to stay healthy and comfortable when sniffles and coughs start circulating.

The good news? Your local FHCP Pharmacy has a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) products designed to support your family’s wellness. Here are some of the most popular and helpful items to keep on hand:

1. Cold & Flu Symptom Relief

• Multi-symptom cold/flu relief formulas (capsules or liquids) to ease congestion, body aches, and fevers.
• Decongestants for stuffy noses and sinus pressure (prescription required at FHCP).
• Cough suppressants and expectorants to calm nagging coughs or help loosen mucus.

2. Pain & Fever Reducers

• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen remain staples for managing fever, headaches, and muscle aches.
  • Keeping a bottle in your medicine cabinet ensures you don’t have to run to the store when you’re not feeling your best.
  • Helpful for both adults and kids.

3. Immune Support

• Vitamin C and Zinc supplements.
• Elderberry syrups and gummies are popular with both adults and kids.
• Daily multivitamins to help fill nutritional gaps.

4. Allergy & Sinus Relief

• Antihistamines for sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Nasal sprays to ease sinus inflammation.

5. Everyday Comfort Items

• Saline sprays and lozenges for sore throats.
• Humidifiers ease dryness at night.
• Electrolyte solutions to help prevent dehydration.

6. Prevention Tools

• Hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, and face masks continue to be in demand for reducing germ spread in schools, workplaces, and travel.

Why Shop at FHCP Pharmacy?

• Convenience and Community: FHCP pharmacies are conveniently located in your community, providing hassle-free, hometown service.
• A Personal Touch: Unlike corporate chains, your FHCP pharmacist gets to know you and your unique needs. We prioritize understanding you as an individual, not just your prescriptions.
• Expert Guidance: Our pharmacists are readily available to guide you, whether you need help selecting the right over-the-counter (OTC) product or advice on safely combining OTC and prescription medications.
• Product Availability: Our shelves are stocked with numerous trusted OTC products. For items not in stock, we can often order them for the next business day.

Stop by your local FHCP pharmacy today to stock up on your fall wellness must-haves, and don’t forget to ask about getting your flu shot while you’re here! 

About Florida Health Care Plans

Founded in 1974, Florida Health Care Plans (FHCP) is a pioneering provider of health insurance plans and comprehensive health care services, available to individuals, families, employers, and Medicare eligible individuals.

Headquartered in Daytona Beach, FHCP was the first federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in Florida and the second federally qualified HMO in the Nation. As a community-based health care provider, FHCP offers members access to primary and multispecialty care, on-site pharmacies and labs, radiology, ultrasound, and other services at its integrated care centers located throughout Brevard, Flagler, St. Johns, Seminole, and Volusia Counties.

An affiliate of Florida Blue and part of the GuideWell family of health solutions companies, FHCP carries an A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best. FHCP is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

For additional information, visit www.FHCP.com. For the latest news and content, visit the FHCP Newsroom and follow FHCP on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram @floridahealthcareplans, and X (formerly Twitter) @myFHCP.