Surviving Cold & Flu Season: Practical Tips and What You Can Deduct on Your Taxes

Let’s talk about sickness. If your household is anything like mine, you’ve been battling cold and flu season just like we have. The runny noses, the fevers, and the general yuckiness of it all can be overwhelming, but I've found a few practical tips that really help get me through this season—and yes, they’ve saved me time, stress, and even money. Plus, some of these tips may actually help you save on your taxes! 💡

1. My Medicine Caddy: A Game Changer 🧳

One of my favorite tips comes courtesy of my sister-in-law. On one of our morning walks, she gave me the idea of creating a medicine caddy to carry from room to room. It’s been a total lifesaver! In this caddy, I keep everything I need to care for sick family members—thermometers, Tylenol, cough medicine, cough drops, essential oils, and more. There is nothing worse than waking up at 2am to help a sick child and not knowing where everything is that you will need to help your child. The medicine caddy keeps everything in one convenient place for those late-night wake-ups. No more running from room to room trying to find what you need!

2. The Food Tray 🍲

Since we live in a two-story home, carrying food and drinks up and down the stairs to sick kids can be a huge pain. So, I started using a food tray. I load it with soup, crackers, juice, vitamin C, water, and anything else I think they might need, then bring it all upstairs in one trip. It’s a total game changer, and it keeps me from making multiple trips up and down the stairs when I’m already running on empty!

3. Backstock: Always Be Prepared 📦

One of the best things I’ve learned is to make sure I have a backstock of everything I might need—times three. That way, if something runs out at 2am (when my kids' fevers always seem to spike), I’m not scrambling to the store or hunting around the house for it. My backstock medicine cabinet is always stocked with the essentials so I’m ready for anything.

Medical Expenses & Tax Deductions 🧾

Keeping everyone healthy during cold and flu season can get expensive. Between over-the-counter medications, doctor visits, and even supplies like vitamins and essential oils, it adds up. But did you know some of these expenses could be deductible on your taxes? 💸

Here’s a quick guide on what’s deductible and how to track your medical expenses:

What’s Deductible? ✅

• Prescription Medications: If you’ve had to purchase prescription meds for your family during the flu season, those costs are deductible.
• Doctor Visits & Medical Services: Any visits to doctors, specialists, or even hospitals for treatments or check-ups are deductible.
• Over-the-Counter Medications: In some cases, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, cold medicine, and cough drops may be deductible if prescribed by your doctor. Make sure to keep receipts and any documentation from your healthcare provider.
• Essential Oils & Vitamins: Some essential oils and vitamins may also be deductible if they are used to treat specific medical conditions, but this can vary. Be sure to check with a tax professional or keep detailed records.

How to Track Your Medical Expenses: 📅

1. Keep Detailed Records: Save receipts for all medical purchases, whether it’s prescription or over-the-counter. This also includes any health-related products you buy for your home, like humidifiers or essential oils.
2. Track Mileage: If you drive to medical appointments or to pick up supplies, track your mileage. You can potentially deduct the cost of your travel as a medical expense.
3. Organize Your Expenses: Use a simple spreadsheet or a financial tracking app to keep track of all your medical expenses throughout the year. This will make it easier to claim deductions at tax time.

While it’s not always fun to think about sickness or the cost of staying healthy, planning ahead can help both in terms of managing the household and making sure you’re optimizing any potential tax deductions.

Have any tips that help you survive flu season? Or questions about medical deductions? Feel free to share or ask below! 👇

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