Making Lists for the Flu Season

The flu—both regular and H1N1—is on everyone’s minds these days. Have you ever thought what would happen to the people in your household if you got sick? Here is a common sense list of things that are easily overlooked during flu season. A little planning and preparation makes life a bit easier when you don’t feel well.

 

Medicinal Shopping List

 

• Thermometer
• Cough syrup/Cough drops/Throat lozenges 
• Chest rub – mentholated 
• Fever Reducer - avoid Aspirin for children due to Rye’s syndrome 
• Electrolyte drinks – Pedialyte, Gatorade, etc. 
• Vitamins 
• Anti-Diarrhea
• Over the counter flu medications that ease flu symptom discomfort– they do not CURE the flu

Hygiene & Sanitation List

• Hand Sanitizer 
• Hand soap in a pump for every sink in the house 
• Facial Tissue–a box for family room and each bedroom 
• Toilet paper–Have several rolls for each bathroom. 
• Paper towels–put back extra rolls for quick clean up of messy accidents 
• Disposable gloves–quick clean ups and minimum exposure of contamination 
• Disinfectant and cleaning products

 

Food Shopping List

 

• Soup – canned or dry mix 
• Crackers 
• Jell-o 
• Bread – freeze a loaf or two until needed 
• Instant tea, coffee, powdered drink mixes 
• Peanut butter & jelly or any other easy comfort food that your children like to eat; they can serve themselves if needed. 
• Staple items such as rice, pasta, salt, sugar 
• Canned fruit and vegetables 
• Canned fish and meat 
• Shelf stable or powdered milk
• Paper plates, cups, etc

 

Additional Items

 

• Humidifier 
• Heating pad(s) 
• Lip moisturizer or ChapStick – one per person 
• Special & Critical Needs 
• Prescriptions – make sure each person’s regularly needed medications stay refilled and don’t let run out. Call your doctor now if prescriptions are expiring soon. 
• Baby items – keep extra formula, baby food, diapers, wipes, etc. on hand
• Pet items – extra food and other necessary items your pet requires everyday

 

Also, does your car have gas in it? Keep your car properly fueled and don’t leave it on empty. This ensures you won’t need to stop for gas in an emergency or when you realize you need something extra from the store at the last minute.