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Admittedly, its a little late in the season to be talking about getting together your flu preparedness supplies. However, every time I open my Facebook page I am finding another friend lamenting that the flu has just hit their home. It starts with the littlest one throwing up in the middle night and quickly spreads to all the other kids. Just as mom has the final load of sheets in the washer, bam, the all too familiar wave of nausea hits her and dad. All across America this scene seems to be playing out. If you have been lucky enough to escape it thus far, today is the day to get your flu preparedness supplies! Having sick kids is really hard, but having sick parents trying to take care of sick kids is the worst!
Storing Your Flu Preparedness Supplies
I keep my flu preparedness supplies in a separate bucket in the storage room. I do this because my kids are Gatorade hounds and it isn’t something that I normally keep around. If they get even the smallest hint it is in the house, it will be gone! I can’t tell you how many times I would get the flu and crawl into where I knew I had Gatorade stored to find that one of the boys happily stole it for basketball practice. By having a dedicated flu kit I know I always have what I need put away.
Steps To Prevent Getting The Flu:
First, lets talk about what we can do to NOT get the flu in the first place. An ounce of prevention and all that.
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- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If it can’t be avoided, consider wearing a N95 or above emergency face mask.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
Get a Flu Shot. Yes, I recognize this can be a controversial topic, but I still recommend it.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
My Flu Preparedness Supplies And Emergency Checklist
As every Prepper and Survivalist knows, sometimes despite our very best efforts, the flu finds us. It happens. Be prepared with your flu preparedness supplies at the ready!
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- Powdered Gatorade (easier to store the powder, lasts longer, and I can mix it as strong or weak as needed)
- Ramen. I don’t know why but when I turn the corner and start to feel better I crave chicken flavored ramen. Probably the high sodium in a dehydrated body.
- Ginger tea and manuka honey Known for it’s amazing health benefits, manuka honey improves sore throats and boosts immunity.
- Peppermint tea
- Hard peppermint candy (helps sooth stomach and get rid of bad tastes in mouth)
- Ginger Ale
- Homemade canned broth
- Jello
- Crackers
- Paper plates and cups. More sanitary and just plain easier on a sick parent
- Otter pops (throw them into the freezer as soon as you open the kit)
- Freezer meals for people that are not sick in the house
Medications and Cleaning Supplies for Influenza Emergency Kits
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- Motrin and Tylenol (don’t take aspirin)
- Immodium
- Zofran (ask your doctor for a prescription to keep in the house)
- Emesis bags for throwing up in. The plastic ring keeps the bag open, while it locks shut with a quick twist. MUCH less chance of spilling than bowls or zip lock type bags.
- Peppermint essential oil
- Motrin and Tylenol (don’t take aspirin)
- Zofran (ask your doctor for a prescription to keep in the house)
- Emetrol
- Disinfectant wipes that kill flu germs I also stock a bottle of Steramine Quaternary Sanitizing Tablets for bigger clean up needs.
- Masks and gloves for containing the spread of germs.
- Extra laundry detergent
- Shelf stable probiotics for the mending process. We like the Jarrow brand.
Get Your Pandemic And Flu Preparedness Supplies NOW
In conclusion, nobody can predict when the flu will hit your family, but being prepared will make it easier to make it through. A little emergency preparedness and planning goes a long way. What is in YOUR flu kit that I didn’t mention? I’m always looking for new ideas!
