The last thing anyone wants to do when they’re sick is make a run to the store.
So, since cold and flu season is officially here, it makes sense to start getting the essentials now; you never know what your kid will bring home from school.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that if you’re sick with the flu, you should stay home and avoid others as much as possible.
But while you’re at home, there are some supplies you’ll thank yourself for having on-hand. See some of the essentials below, as recommended by getreadyforflu.org.
1. Cold and flu medicine: Try Theraflu, an over-the counter flu treatment that provides relief from severe cold and flu symptoms, according to the product’s website. You can purchase Theraflu in either caplet, syrup or hot liquid powder form.
2. Stock up on liquids: Some tea or soup should do the trick – it’s worth noting that you should stay away from soups with high sodium, as they can just make you more dehydrated.
3. Surface cleaners and disinfectants: These are important for obvious reasons. Studies have shown the flu virus spreads easily and can survive for up to eight hours on surfaces in your home – so scrub those germs away as often as possible.
4. Hand sanitizer: While soap and water is the best way to go, if it isn’t immediately available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the next best thing. According to getreadyforflu.org, the best hand sanitizers contain a minimum of 60 percent alcohol, so double-check that label.
5. Medical face masks: You may want to keep these on-hand in case you’re caring for a sick family member – especially if you’re at a high risk of becoming ill because of your age or a condition that lowers your immunity. Even if you’re not at high risk, there’s no harm in wearing one just for safe measure.
Of course, the most important step to take is getting your flu shot. But if you do contract the flu, the CDC recommends you ensure you’re fever-free for at least 24 hours – without the use of medication – before hitting the town.
