Though our family has already had one sneak peek, cold and flu season is about ready to really get started.

Because I would like avoid as many sick visits to the doctor as I possibly can, I decided to check out our medicine cabinet and make sure it is ready for this winter -- and beyond.

What you should include in your medicine cabinet

Obviously, what you should include in your medicine cabinet depends on your needs, but here is a list to get you started. Oh, and I am not a doctor. Obviously. Read the labels. Use common sense.

For congestion, we also use saline nasal drops. And for babies, a bulb syringe can be used to get the mucus out of the nasal passages. We use a nasal aspirator called the Nosefrida. (For some free entertainment, read the reviews on Amazon. Hilarious stuff!)

Alternatives to the medicine cabinet

Don't forget about other home remedies that may help you save. First, drinking hot fluids or eating chicken noodle soup may decrease congestion. Insect bites may lose their itch when rubbed with the cut surface of an onion. For sore throats, gargle with salt water -- or drink hot tea with a bit of honey in it, which has antibacterial properties. Speaking of drinks, serve up yourself a hot toddy to treat a cough or a cold. Take the opportunity to rest.

Fill up your medicine cabinet without emptying your wallet

Buying store brand food can definitely save you money over buying name brand food. But buying generic over-the-counter (or prescription) medications versus name brand medications can save you a significant amount of cash, sometimes up to 50 percent or more.

Both medications should work equally well. However, the FDA does allow for slight variability between generic and brand name medications. For instance, one study quoted on the FDA website said that medication absorption into the body varied by about 3.5 percent between generic and brand name medications.

Excerpt from:

Flu Season: Stock Your Medicine Cabinet for Less