Anyone with an underlying health condition that increases their risk of severe COVID should also ensure that all rescue medications, such as asthma inhalers, are up to date, Dr. Parikh says.
If you’re at high risk, it might also be helpful to have a conversation with your doctor about how to minimize your chances of getting really sick. Some providers who have a trusting relationship with their high-risk patients can offer a prescription for a flu antiviral even before flu season begins, so they can get it filled quickly if and when they get sick. virus, William Schaffner, MDprofessor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, says SELF.
3. Get other sick day essentials.
If you’re sick, the last thing you want to do (or should do) is head to the store to buy other useful items. You will need to prioritize rest and avoid others as much as you do. can so as not to spread germs. With that in mind, consider buying extra toilet paper and tissues, hand sanitizer, hand soap, surface cleaners, and an extra box of face masks while you’re at the store this week. A humidifier and air purifier are also very useful if you can afford them.
Three other things you might not think of but definitely should have include a thermometer, pulse oximeter, and home COVID tests. This is especially helpful if you prefer telehealth appointments over in-person visits: there’s a difference between telling your doctor you « have a fever » and telling them your temperature is 103 degrees Fahrenheit, and the more data you can give her, the better your chances of getting an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment, says Dr. Schaffner.
If you have purchased or ordered COVID tests in the past year, you should also check that they have not expired – or are not expected to expire in the next few months – before tagging this item from your list.
4. Give your pantry the same treatment.
If you already know you’re going to crave chicken noodle soup the second you’re too exhausted to cook, have enough to get you and your family through the next two months. while you are at the store. While you’re at it, grab any other hydrating foods or drinks you always crave when you’re sick, as you shouldn’t go out in public once you experience symptoms.
Remember: cooking nutritious meals takes a lot of work (even on a good day!), so you’re probably not going to be ready for it all. But eating enough and staying hydrated are key to feeling your best as soon as possible. When shopping, try to think of shelf-stable foods that also fuel you, like peanut butter, canned or frozen vegetables, and your favorite protein bars. For more information on emergency food supply, see this guide.
5. Make a plan with the people you live with.
As you probably know by now, given that we are almost three years into the pandemic, there is a lot of strategy involved in keeping people safe. when someone in a home gets COVID-19 (or any other contagious bug). You should decide on an isolation plan now, rather than waiting for someone to test positive, experts say. « It’s always good to have a quarantine plan in place to reduce the spread of infection, » says Dr Parikh. This could mean deciding where a sick person will sleep, which bathroom they will use, and where everyone else in the house will stay.
