I think it’s safe to say that most of us are tired and achy from listening to endless reports on the swine flu. But has the flood of media attention on this topic desensitized our minds to preparing from cold and flu season? Are we so sick of that we’re not doing what we usually do to guard ourselves against illness? Regardless of whether or not we’re planning to get a flu shot, or if we worry about swine flu infesting our homes and schools, it is that time of year when viruses circulate.
After coming down with the flu far too early this year, I was reminded how much it stinks to drive yourself to the store to pick up items to cure what ails you when you should really be in bed resting instead of spreading germs. Here’s a list of must-have items you should consider having in preparing for and warding off the flu in your home.
1. Stock up on tissues and over-the-counter medicines. Buy the good soft tissues with lotion and your own tried-and-true cold remedies when you spot them on sale. Keep a good supply for that inevitable day when the sniffing and sneezing begin.
2. Grab the Gatorade. In some cases of stomach upset, Gatorade can be a good way to replace electrolytes that have been lost from vomiting and diarrhea. It’s easier to have a few bottles on hand than to have to make a run to the store for this when someone is in need.
3. Consider getting a flu shot. Some people swear by these while others aren’t fond of the toxins that are introduced to your body. You have to do what makes sense for your particular situation, but if you’re on the fence about it, decide now before the vaccines are in short supply.
4. Confine and contain. Once one person comes home feeling achy or has a sore throat, create a “quarantine” area of your home to prevent others from becoming infected. Be sure to clean up high-traffic areas with bacteria killing products such as telephones, light switches, door knobs, and refrigerator doors. These frequently touched shared spots are especially great breeding grounds for germs. Many people are contagious before they even show symptoms so you should try to keep these surfaces clean and practice good hygiene as a preventative measure, too.
5. Teach good hygiene. Everyone should wash their hands with soap and warm water for a long enough period to sing, “Happy Birthday.” Sneezing and coughing into your shoulder and away from others is an easy way to keep germs from spreading.
6. Create a support list. Your home can go from happy and healthy to an infirmary in a heartbeat. Make sure you’ve got easy to access to contact numbers for friends, family, and neighbors who can help you keep the healthy inhabitants of your home up and running even when the only thing running in the rest of your house is a fever.
