The CDC is telling us to prepare for the coronavirus, and flu season is in full swing, so it seems like a good time to discuss exactly what preparing for a possible pandemic could look like for individuals.
Most media stories say, that besides the common sense stuff like hand washing, to stay out of the Emergency Room if at all possible. What else can we do?
We can buy some medical face masks, and wear them if we think we’ve been exposed or feel sick, and also to wear around those who are more at risk. Soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer, bleachable towels are also good to stock up on. Garbage bags and ziplocks to tuck away possibly infectious trash. Flushable tissues too.
Have analgesics (tylenol, etc) on hand, along with other palliatives for upper respiratory viruses. Be careful to no over-use these, and don’t use them to keep going out in public when you are sick. Here is a starting point: www.ready.gov/…
Read up on herbal and nutritional support for viruses. Antibiotics won’t help a virus, but it won’t hurt to have plenty of garlic and echinacea on hand for soups and teas. Elderberries are an antiviral, so make or order some elderberry syrup.
Be ready to stay home. Have enough food, toilet paper, soap, and other necessities on hand so you don’t have to run to the store often. If you do need to pick up some things, choose to use an app to order your items ahead and use the drive up service, or let Amazon send things to you. If you can avoid other shoppers, there is less exposure. For outings, choose outdoor, low population activities like taking a walk in a nature preserve, start a garden, stargaze, or go for a bike ride.
You may want to be able to isolate one or more family members, especially if you have a baby or elderly person, or someone with a compromised immune system that needs to be protected. Lots of cheap plastic sheeting, tape (to put up the plastic) bleach, easy to wash and dry bedding, gloves, masks and even safety glasses to keep out contagious droplets are reasonable to have on hand. A blow up mattress that can be washed with disinfectant might be handy too. You can create a plastic lined room room with an entry chamber to change clothing and shoes when entering and exiting. Have plenty of disinfectant and bleach on hand for laundering bedding, wiping surfaces, and washing caregiver clothing.
Fill your prescriptions. If you can refill your regular medications early, do it. Think about switching to an online pharmacy that mails your meds regularly. Standing in line at the pharmacy would be a prime place for contagious people. Avoid it if you can.
You can avoid the doctor’s office if you get sick or hurt. Apps like callinurgentcare.com and teladoc.com are ways to see a doctor by video, and skip the infectious waiting rooms. Medical networks, like Cleveland Clinic also have video options. This might be a good time to explore what is available in your area and what your insurance might cover.
Do you have any other things you are doing to prepare for COVID19? Please share in the comments.