Illness is always just around the corner, especially in the fall and winter. Being around people can expose us to germs. While I think being around germs can help improve your immunity, some of them can still take us down. When we are stressed out, run down, exhausted, and not taking care of ourselves, we tend to get sick more easily and can stay sick longer.

Most of us also experienced the 2020-2022 pandemic, during which many people fell ill to varying degrees. We all learned critical lessons about taking care of ourselves and being mindful of others when they were sick. We also learned to keep a stock of cold and flu supplies at home. The thing about pandemics is that if it can happen once, it can happen again.

Now, we have news of the pneumonic plague from Russia, which is very concerning. It may not reach the United States, but we live in a very global, mobile society. A widespread illness will always be a threat anywhere you go.

I think it is wise to be ready for lockdowns and illness to happen again. Even a simple cold is worth preparing for and stocking up on. Now would be a good time to make sure your medical and cold/flu supplies are in order and up to date. Whether you believe in homeopathic or conventional medicines, you will want to stock up on these before something happens.

Our household has already had the cold and crud virus in the last month. One of us had a cough that lasted for four weeks. Thank goodness it subsided, but that is because of over-the-counter medications. This virus has been circulating in our area.

This is why you should stock up now before you need them. When you are sick and want to stay home, the last thing you want is to leave the house for these things. You may find medications picked over or completely gone when you need them most. You may be too sick to go to the store and need someone to deliver them, if they can even find them. It’s inconvenient not to have them at home.

Start with the basics: make sure your thermometer works. Now is a good time to check that it works and replace the batteries. Keep some batteries nearby. If you don’t have one, buy one. I personally like the forehead thermometers, but the mouth and ear ones work just as well.

Immunity-boosting medications and supplements are helpful to keep on hand. Some natural and conventional items to keep in your cold and flu kit are:

* Zicam (tablets) when you first feel like a cold is coming on
* Elderberry, zinc, and Vitamins C & D starting in September and continuing through April
* Nasal sticks and vapor inhalers to keep the sinuses open
* Probiotics and Fermented Foods to keep your gut healthy because that is where most of your immune cells live
* Airborne and Emergen-C
* Echinacea
* Ginger and turmeric
* Cold-Eeze
* Fire Cider (Recipe is from The Rustic Elk)

Of course, the best thing you can do for your immune system is to get 7-8 hours of sleep regularly, eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, manage your stress, and move your body.

For colds and flus, keep a mix of natural and conventional medications on hand. Some of you may prefer natural or homeopathic methods to feel better. Some of you may need conventional, over-the-counter medications, especially if you work outside the home or deal with a lot of people. Here are some things to keep on hand:

* Xlear nasal decongestant nose spray (This was a game changer for my stuffy nose!)
* Nasal Sprays and Sinus Rinses for stuffy noses
* Medications like Robitussin or Mucinex (or generic versions) with dextromethorphan HBr (a cough suppressant) and guaifenesin (an expectorant) to help with coughing
* DayQuil and NyQuil (or generic versions) to help with influenza symptoms
* Any cold or cough medications of your preference
* Cough or sore throat lozenges
* Throat spray for sore throats
* Traditional Medicinals Teas (I find these work the best for me)
* Peppermint and Chamomile teas for upset stomachs
* Pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen (for high fevers and aches and pains)
* Nausea and Anti-Diarrheal remedies
* Vicks VapoRub or a generic chest rub
* Raw Honey for sore throats

In addition to these things, you should have these things on hand:

* Facial tissues for runny noses
* Toilet paper for runny noses and diarrhea
* Blankets
* Cold and Hot Compresses for fever and pain

One thing to consider is keeping a Jase Medical Kit in your medicine cabinet. If you can’t seek medical care for any reason, one of these kits could be a game changer. It is not to be taken lightly and they do come with med cards so you can make an informed decision. Having antibiotics on hand could be a lifesaver in certain scenarios.

Based on experience, keep clear fluids on hand. If you or a family member has been vomiting or is starting to vomit, clear fluids and foods will help you recover faster with fewer issues. While sipping water can help, it may also upset your stomach. Sparkling water, clear soda pops (Sprite or 7-Up), ginger ale, flavored waters, clear or light-colored sports drinks, strained apple juice, broths, popsicles (without pulp), and Jell-O without fruit or toppings are all good for upset stomachs. This is intended for only 2-3 days, so if vomiting persists longer, please seek medical help. You may need stronger anti-nausea meds and IV hydration, or there may be another problem.

Hydration is critical when you are sick with any kind of illness. Stock up on your favorite fluids and keep electrolytes on hand. If you have a cruddy throat, soda pop or sparkling water can help break up the crud. Even a simple mix of a pinch of salt, lemon juice (to taste), and honey (to taste) in hot water can go a long way toward helping you feel better. Warm beverages also help with a stuffy head and a sore throat. I love my tea with raw honey when I feel unwell.

One of the teas I like to drink when I am feeling sick is the copycat Starbucks medicine ball tea. I don’t live anywhere near a Starbucks so I make my own. This is my recipe:

Medicine Ball/Cold & Flu Tea

1 bag of peppermint tea
1 bag of peach tea
1 bag of green tea (I use decaf, but you can use caffeinated)
4 cups of water
Lemon juice
Honey
A Pinch of Salt

Heat the water just to the point of boiling. Take the pot off the burner if you are using one. Add the tea bags and brew for 5-10 minutes (Less if you like a weaker tea, longer if you like strong tea).

To a teacup, add honey and lemon to taste. Add a very small pinch of salt (just trust me on this one). Add tea and stir. Sip or drink this all day if you would like.
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If you have babies or young children to care for, you will want to make sure you have age-appropriate medications and remedies for them. Infant or children’s pain relievers, cold medicines, supplements, and cough syrups are rated for their age and weight. If you are unsure of the dose, please call your doctor for the correct dosage.

With kids, I found it helpful to keep wet wipes or a soft, wet washcloth on hand to clean up dried mucus from their noses and mouths. I also had them rest and sleep on towels over their pillows for easy cleanup. Movies and quiet activities help to keep them resting and calm. If they wear diapers, you’ll want extra because kids poop more when they are sick. Kids also need extra hydration when they’re sick, so keeping their favorite drinks and electrolytes on hand can help them recover faster.

If you or a family member is sick enough or highly contagious, you may want to set up a sick room. This would be a room where you keep the sick people and only a few people have contact with them so they can care for them. You need to be prepared for this in the future. In a true pandemic or plague, medical facilities may be overrun or not have any rooms available. In a tote(s), you should have:

* disposable latex or nitrile gloves
* face masks like NIOSH-approved N95 respirators or KN95 respirators. They need to be well-fitted to your face.
* Biohazard suits and shoe coverings that you can put on before going in and dispose of afterward (for extremely contagious viruses and diseases)
* Eye protection
* Hospital gowns that can be easily washed and sanitized
* Extra sheets and pillowcases for the beds. White is preferable because it can be washed and sanitized with bleach.
* Rubber or vinyl mattress covers to keep the mattress clean and free of stains.
* Bleach, disinfecting spray and wipes
* White towels and washcloths. Same reason as the sheets.
* First-aid kit, medical supplies, and medications
* Heavy-duty trash bags and paper towels for clean-up and disposing of gloves, suits, and more.
* Buckets with bags for liners for trash and vomit
* Facial tissues and toilet paper
* Everything listed in previous categories in this article

Plan ahead for which room you’ll use and who will be the designated caregiver. Everything in the sick room needs to be either disposable or sanitized. You will need a plan to dispose of the trash in that room so that no one else gets sick. The best solution is to burn it, so keep a burn barrel handy.

Of course, I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. I just want to share what I have learned and experienced over the years and what you should keep on hand for colds and other viruses. If you or a family member thinks you or they may have something more serious, seek medical care. There is no shame in admitting something may be more serious than a cold or virus and may need additional care.

You may also use different medications and therapies for colds and flus than those listed. You may be an all-natural, homeopathic person. You may prefer conventional medications. Either is fine. I have found that a combination of the two works best for me. Some people can take their time to feel better and some have to be at work tomorrow morning. Do what works best for you! Just please be prepared for it!

Thanks for reading,
Erica

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