Treating summer colds with an FSA

Each year, there are more than 62 million cases of the common cold, the National Center for Health Statistics reports. But it's the middle of summer.

You might be thinking, "How can I be sniffling, sneezing, and have watery eyes?" While these symptoms are not alarming, you should monitor your cold. Fever or fatigue are causes for alarm.

The common cold can occur when you least expect it - including in the summer time. Summer is a time for travel, which increases the chances of spreading a cold. We're also exposed to temperature differences as we enter air-conditioned spaces or go out into the heat. Air conditioning dries out nasal passages leading to higher odds of a summer cold.

Don't get stuck with a summer cold and try the following remedies to get relief!

Steps to get rid of a cold:

• Take over-the-counter FSA Eligible Cold & Allergy products. Warm steam vaporizers and saline spray are covered by a Flexible Spending Account. Certain over-the-counter medicines including cough drops, Tylenol and Mucinex do require a prescription for FSA reimbursement.
• Properly hydrate with water throughout the day.
• Increase your vitamin C intake.
• Ensure you get enough rest.
• It may seem counterintuitive given the heat, but a bowl of chicken soup is always comforting.

Check out more detailed information via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.

If symptoms persist or get worse, schedule a visit with a health care provider as soon as possible. FSAstore.com offers an FSA Eligible Services section through which you can find and contact local health providers.