How does my Flexible Spending Account treat a cold?

As the fall chill settles in over the course of the next several months, it will become a bit harder to stay healthier during this time of year as cold and flu season sets in. With many of your friends and co workers suffering from sniffles and sneezes, there’s an increased likelihood that you may catch a virus that could put you out of commission for days on end.

Thankfully, if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can plan early in the cold and flu season to pick up everything that you and your loved ones will need to recover quickly from ailments that could have otherwise forced you to miss time from work, school and other obligations.

Here are a few smart purchases to make for your family’s health as fall kicks off!

1. Steam Inhalers

Is there anything worse than not being able to breathe out of your nose thanks to nasal congestion? This can put a serious damper on your sleep schedule and can cause lingering discomfort throughout your day, even when you’re utilizing an anti-histamine medication. A steam inhaler is a great FSA eligible item that can ease sinus pressure, moisturize inflamed respiratory passages and deliver targeted therapy that can help you breathe easier during the worst of your cold and flu symptoms.

Check out: MyPurMist Handheld Steam Inhaler

2. Saline Sprays

Over-the-counter (OTC) saline sprays are extremely effective tools that can provide immediate relief to combat stuffiness and congestion. In particular, these medications are great options for busy individuals on the go who need a quick solution at work, school or commuting.

Check out: Simply Saline Sterile Saline Nasal Mist, Super Size 3 fl oz.

3. Lozenges

A sore throat is usually a harbinger of things to come with most cold viruses, but if this symptom continues to hang around, it can be a major nuisance that can last for days. Throat lozenges are a tried-and-true method that can reduce the severity of many cold symptoms like coughing, sore throat, congestion, post nasal drip and hoarseness. Additionally, gargling each morning and evening with salt water is another effective means of clearing up a sore throat over time.

Check out: Cold-Eeze Lozenges, All Natural Honey Lemon

This is just scratching the surface of what your FSA can cover during cold and flu season, but now is the best time to spend your tax-free funds on seasonal needs at FSAstore.com! Check out the biggest selection of FSA eligible items on the web and realize the true potential of your employee benefits!