Sick day essentials that every home needs during cold and flu season

It’s cold and flu season again and many people want to be prepared for when a sick day strikes.

Putting together a sick day survival kit can be simple and doesn’t have to break the bank, says Dr. Sue Ojageer, a clinical pharmacist.

“As a pharmacist and a mom of five, I’ve learned that when someone gets sick, the last thing you want to do is run to the pharmacy, especially in the middle of the night!” she told The Independent.

“I always recommend having a sick day survival kit ready before you actually need it.”

Ojageer says there are several essential items that everyone should have to feel better this winter.

Adults

Ojageer recommends adults keep the basics on hand starting with pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, more commonly known under the brand names Tylenol and Advil. These medications reduce inflammation and lower temperature.

A digital thermometer can tell people if they need to seek emergency care. People should seek a doctor if they measure a temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius). The device typically costs under $25 and batteries last for 3-5 years.

When suffering from a stuffy head, Kleenex and saline-based nasal sprays are also a must. The sprays cost under $10 and thin out mucus, helping people to breathe better.

Lastly, a sore throat can be treated with honey, a natural antioxidant that tamps down inflammation. “You don’t always need an expensive cough syrup,” she said.

Elderly people

Seniors can also benefit from what adults need in their kit – but may have more medical problems that need additional attention.

Ojageer recommends that people with such concerns have a pulse oximeter on hand. The device measures heart rate and how much oxygen is in the blood when a patient holds their finger under a light. The oximeter can tell how much oxygen is in red blood cells by looking at the light a protein in those cells absorbs.

Seniors may be taking more medications than younger adults, as well. That’s why single-ingredient medications may be an easier and safer solution. Knowing exactly what’s in a product can ensure there are fewer changes it will interact with other medications.

“This makes it easier to target the symptoms you’re actually experiencing and reduces the risk of accidentally taking duplicate ingredients, particularly acetaminophen,” said Ojageer.

Lastly, hydration multipliers and energy drinks can be beneficial for seniors. Hydration matters more as people age because it becomes harder for the body to hold onto water and older people feel less thirsty.

While nothing is as good for hydration as plain water, people who are vomiting can also replace electrolytes – minerals that keep the body hydrated – with Pedialyte.

Babies and children

Blowing noses well can be a tricky task for young children. That’s why Ojageer recommends a nasal aspirator: a snot-sucking, syringe-like device that removes the mucus for them.

When a child has a cough, honey can help them, too. But the food should never be given to babies younger than 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism. The illness is caused by bacteria spores in the honey generally not harmful to older children and adults. It can lead to paralysis and death in infants.

Lastly, there are forms of pain relievers for kids, too. Parents should keep in mind that dosing depends on a child’s weight and age and could change as they grow.

“I also keep a small notebook to record medication names, doses, and administration times. When multiple children are sick, it’s surprisingly easy to forget who received what and when,” said Ojageer.

The importance of preparation

People should check their sick day kit every three-to-six months, especially before cold and flu season, Ojageer says. That means checking packaging and expiration dates, as well as how much of products you have in the house.

It’s also better to replace products as they are used, rather than waiting until they are needed, she pointed out. Preparing before illness strikes is her biggest advice as a pharmacist and mother.

“You don’t need a cabinet full of expensive products. You need a few reliable essentials, the right medications for your family, and the knowledge to use them safely,” said Ojageer.