FLU & COVID-19: Five Items To Keep In Your Home To Stay Well

While the whole world seems focused on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic, people have been quick to stock up on water bottles and paper towels, but it is even more important that you are prepared with supplies that will help you in the event that you fall ill.

You may be picking up household items for your daily life, but are you grabbing the supplies you’ll need if you get sick? Make sure you’ve got your house stocked with the following items so that you can recover properly from a mild to moderate illness.

1. Cold Medicine

Over-the-counter cold medicine will be important if you become sick. While technically OTC medication like Nyquil, Motrin, and Tylenol don’t actually cure your illness they will help with symptom management. The more comfortable you feel, the better you will sleep, and rest will help you fight the infection. It’s important if you have a fever to use a fever reducer like Tylenol. While you don’t necessarily need to head to the doctors office for every fever, if your fever cannot be controlled with medication it can lead to a medical emergency. Make sure you have all the over-the-counter medications necessary to keep yourself comfortable if you fall ill.

2. Disinfectant

During a pandemic, it is crucial that you limit the spread of infection especially if you have multiple people in your house. Bleach, Lysol, or Clorox spray can be used to sanitize surfaces and eliminate any viral or bacterial particles. Make sure you always have Lysol or bleach in your home and use these products generously if you or a family member falls ill. Even before a member of your family becomes sick, it’s important to disinfect doorknobs, sink handles, and countertops regularly to avoid potential illness.

3. Tissues

Tissues will make you a lot more comfortable in the event that you become infected. Blowing your nose regularly will limit your congestion and help you breathe easier. You do not want to suffer from excessive mucus build up. A stuffy nose will make it harder to sleep, which in turn, will slow down your recovery time.

4. Soup and Sports Drinks

When you become moderately ill, it will become difficult to eat or drink anything. But hydration is vital to your recovery and becoming dehydrated may mean a trip to the emergency room. Liquid soup and sports drinks like Gatorade will replenish your electrolytes. Sip water often and try to have as much soup and Gatorade as you can keep down.

5. Cough Drops

Cough drops provide excellent relief for an unending cough or sore throat. An unstoppable cough can become incredibly painful and may even make you short of breath. Cough drops will curb some of your discomfort so you can rest more easily. If your cough is particularly severe, call your doctor to receive prescription strength cough medication.

Being prepared for illness will make it easier for you to recover. Make sure you keep your house stocked with the supplies that make you as comfortable as possible while you rest.

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