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Is your home ready if you get a stomach illness tomorrow? Sniffles Saturday? The flu in a month or two?
In the United States, cold and flu season occurs in fall and winter, beginning in October and lasting through May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The combination of falling temperatures and drier climates makes us more vulnerable to common respiratory viruses like colds, flu, RSV or COVID-19, and “consequential illnesses,” explains pediatrician Mona Amin.
Get prepared now by creating a cold and flu preparedness kit. “Have things on hand so you don’t have to scramble or depend on someone else to run to the pharmacy for you when you get sick,” says the pharmacist. Alisha Reed. This includes pain and pain relievers, hydration supplements, and monitoring tools to help manage symptoms.
Many viruses and fevers can be managed at home, says Amin. And colds and flu are viral infections, so they can’t be treated with prescription antibiotics anyway.
Below you’ll find a list of items for the whole family, recommended by Amin and Reed. Place products in a designated location, such as a shelf in your medicine cabinet or a convenient “sick day” box.
You will also need to take preventative measures like disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, getting vaccinated and washing your hands. But remember, Reed says, no prevention strategy is foolproof.
What to include in your cold and flu preparedness kit
Over-the-counter medications
When you have a cough, congestion, sore throat, fever, fatigue, or other common cold and flu symptoms, you may be tempted to take a medication that works on multiple symptoms.
But these medications often contain unnecessary extra ingredients that can sometimes put you at risk of accidentally overmedicating, Reed says. Instead, opt for medications that target individual symptoms.
Of course, these items all have a price. So if you don’t have a flexible spending account to help cover costs, consider purchasing your personal sick day must-haves to start, then build from there as much as you can.
Reed and Amin suggest these medications:
Painkillers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain and discomfort related to headaches, body aches, and sore throats by reducing inflammation, says Reed.
- For children: Do not use children’s ibuprofen in children younger than 6 months; Naproxen is only approved for children 12 years and older.
Fever reducer. However, medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can safely lower body temperature. acetaminophen is usually the best choice for fever.
Antihistamine. Yes, the same thing you take for spring allergies! Colds and allergies have similar symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. This is why they can both be treated with a histamine blocking medication which can help dry out your sinuses.
- For children: Some over-the-counter allergy medications are approved for children as young as 6 months, but not all — and some have more side effects than others, Amin says. Check with your healthcare provider first if you have any questions.
Decongestant. Pseudoephedrine pills or nasal spray can relieve a stuffy nose or sinus pressure by restricting blood vessels and opening the airways in your nasal passages.
- For children: Pills are not recommended for children under 4 years old and medicated sprays are not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Cough suppressant for a dry cough. Dextromethorphan — often called “DM” on the cough syrup box — can temporarily suppress the signal in the brain that triggers your cough reflex, Reed says.
- For children: Not recommended for children under 4 years old; do not use in children younger than 2 years, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Cough expectorant for congested cough. Guaifenesin can help relieve chest congestion by thinning the mucus in your airways, says Reed. But before you buy, try to stay hydrated first. “Water is a natural expectorant,” she says.
- For children: Cough medicines are not recommended for children under 4 years old; do not use in children younger than 2 years, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Read the label on the box or bottle of over-the-counter products carefully to make sure what you are taking is not expired and will treat the condition for which it is intended. And always follow the recommended dosage and use to avoid unnecessary risks or side effects, says Reed.
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Honey is an excellent remedy for illnesses for all ages, but it is especially useful for young children who are not yet old enough to take cough medicine, Amin says. “Honey is an anti-inflammatory that also helps coat the throat, which can help with the cough trigger that children will have.”
Note: Honey is not safe for children under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.
Thermometer
This is a must-have basic tool for checking your temperature on days when you think you or your little one may have a fever, says Amin.
Rectal thermometers are preferred for children 3 years and younger; Both oral and digital infrared thermometers are good choices for older people. (But oral thermometers are generally more accurate.)
Nasal saline treatment
The dryness of winter can dehydrate your nasal passages and make it easier for viruses to attach and reproduce in your nose and throat.
A simple solution is to irrigate your nose with a saline spray or rinse, says Amin. This can be both preventative by helping to keep the mucous membranes in your nose moist and relieving symptoms by loosening thick mucus if you have a cold.
Research even suggests that using saline drops at the first signs of a cold may reduce symptoms in young children for up to two days.
Other comfort items
Rub the chest. Steam rubs containing combinations of camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol oils may provide some relief from nighttime cough and cold symptoms when applied to the chest and neck.
Use with caution, says Amin. Although many families use this homeopathic remedy, little research supports its effectiveness and it can be harmful if used improperly. Vicks VapoRub, for example, should only be applied to the chest and throat and never heated. And be sure to check age restrictions before using products on children: breast products for babies and children will be formulated with gentler ingredients.
Disposable vomit bags. They’re useful, easy to store, and a great replacement for sitting by the toilet if the stomach flu should hit your house this year, says Amin.
Humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help clear out mucus stuck in your sinuses. Reed suggests using a cool-mist humidifier when sick, which can help relieve congestion if you have a cold.
Pedialyte, apple juice, water, Gatorade. Diarrhea or vomiting, common symptoms of the flu or COVID-19, can sometimes lead to dehydration. Make sure you have a few favorite drinks on hand that can help replace lost fluids for you or your little one, says Amin.
When to call your doctor
As long as your symptoms improve and respond to treatment, many viruses can be fought from the comfort of your home.
However, if you notice these worrying symptoms, contact your doctor.
- Fever in infants under 3 months; above 102 F for children; 103 F for adults; or any high fever that lasts more than 1 to 2 days and/or does not respond to fever-reducing medications.
- Shortness of breath or irregular breathing
- Extreme thirst, inability to drink fluids, difficulty urinating or producing tears, dark urine, severe or persistent vomiting
- Confusion, disorientation, irritability, or extreme weakness
These aren’t the only signs to look for, so if in doubt, contact us, says Reed. “Don’t be afraid to call your doctor or talk to a pharmacist about what’s going on. It doesn’t hurt to check,” she says.
This digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is CJ Riculan.
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