Stock Your Cabinet With These Essentials During The COVID-19 Pandemic

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There are several people in the U.S. who have bounced back from COVID-19 infection. Out of 1.01 million confirmed cases, about 114,000 people have recovered in a few weeks time. If the neighborhood pharmacy has run out of medication and online medication may not be verifiable, storing medication at home could prevent you from panicking. 

Much like the adage “it’s better to be safe than sorry”, it’s better to be prepared and treat mild symptoms at home if possible, to remain in good health and keep immunity intact. For this, you need to stock your medicine cabinet and ensure it has everything you might need in case of an emergency.  

Usually, medicine cabinets inside bathrooms may become humid due to water being splashed around the vicinity. Making space in the hallway is ideal, and it also keeps medicines out of reach from children. Here is a list of medicines and equipment that you might want to keep in your cabinet: 

Thermometers

A fever is when body temperature exceeds 98.6 F or 37 C, however it is concerning once the temperature reaches 100.4 F or 38 C. Fever is a significant indication of COVID-19 infection and having a thermometer at home with charged batteries can help you detect it sooner rather than later.

Paracetamol

Scientists are unsure of reducing body temperature as it is seen as an immune response to infections. However, the WHO said that they had inconclusive evidence of ibuprofen’s harmful effects, which is among the NSAIDs used to treat a fever. Paracetamol or acetaminophen relieves pain, fever and chills. Pharmacists recommend taking not more than 3000 milligrams per day because if taken in large amounts, it can damage the liver. 

Electrolytes for Diarrhea

One of the other symptoms of COVID-19 is diarrhea, but treating it can become counter-productive. Doctors say that diarrhea can flush out the infection, so they recommend not taking any over-the-counter medication for it. But when diarrhea becomes constant, it can lead to dehydration. Electrolytes such as Pedialyte can replenish the body while this happens. 

Medication for Sore Throat

If you have a sore throat, you might want to consume throat lozenges or cough medicine, especially if you cough a lot and your throat hurts. A concoction of lemon water and honey could also help in some cases, especially for children. 

Pulse Oximeters

Severe COVID-19 cases result in respiratory issues and patients need oxygen to help them breath. A hand-held device called a pulse oximeter is used to check the level of oxygen in your blood. If the reading is below 90, it does not fall in the normal range. Pulse oximeters are sometimes in short supply, hence if you are having trouble breathing, you should call your doctor and explain your symptoms. 

Prescribed Medicine

If you are on prescription medication for diabetes or hypertension, ensure you have a steady supply that lasts a while. Keep stock for one to three months. 

Vitamin D Supplements

A lot of research indicates that vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of respiratory infections, which also exacerbates symptoms once they appear. Vitamin D is also needed to have an effective immune response. 

First Aid Kit

Keep a first aid kit for all purposes in your cabinet, to be either used outdoors or at home. Some of the first aid essentials include antiseptics, bandages and injury treatment.

medicine-1582472_1280 Medicine. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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