3. THE MEDICINE CABINET

What do you need to treat a pandemic flu?

Treating “pandemic flu” symptoms is similar to treating colds and “seasonal flu symptoms.” A new flu strain could be relatively mild or it could be very severe—there is no way to tell for sure. And, there is no way to tell for sure how it would affect you. Most likely, you will be treating symptoms as you typically would: with over-the-counter remedies. As an illness progresses, you will be contacting your doctor for further advice, and he or she may include prescription medications as appropriate.

Furthermore, during a pandemic period, pharmacies undoubtedly will be in short supply of these basic over-the-counter medicines and supplies. So, plan ahead for what your needs may be, as outlined below. And, don’t forget, that even during a pandemic, you can still get the seasonal flu and routine colds, as well as several other illnesses that may present similar symptoms, and you’ll be glad you have these items already on hand.

You and your family members will use many of these items routinely. It is best to store extra supplies apart from your anticipated normal seasonal needs, and to cycle them into your medicine cabinet by the “use by” dates. As with many over-the-counter medications, you may not need them at all; and, they may become out-of-date. So, discard and replace out-of-date items as warranted.

Also, depending on your family needs, consider children’s and infant’s versions. A pandemic period could last a very long time—perhaps a year or more—and pharmacies will have sporadic supplies, especially in the early weeks of the pandemic period. Therefore, be sure to buy larger quantities accordingly.

Over-the-counter Medicines checklist

These are the items you know you’ll need:

• Acetaminophen: such as Tylenol
• Ibuprofen: such as Motrin, Advil
• Anti-nausea: such as Pepto-Bismol
• Anti-diarrhea: such as Imodium
• Antihistamine: such as Benadryl or Claritin
• Decongestant: such as Sudafed
• Cough drops: such as Halls
• Cough syrup: such as Robitussin
• Sore throat lozenges: such as Sucrets

These items come in different versions and strengths. Seek advice from you pharmacist when in doubt about what to get. Generally, avoid aspirin for young adults and children.

Medical supplies checklist

A pandemic disease may be comparatively severe, and a key objective is to lessen the potential for its spread, whether before anyone in your family becomes ill, during an illness, and after an illness, as well. Therefore, you’ll want to disinfect surfaces and commonly touched items, and you’ll want to provide a barrier between you and others who may be ill.

• Hand-sanitizer: such as Purel
• Alcohol: rubbing alcohol
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Rubber gloves
• Latex gloves (box of 100)
• Surgical masks (box of 30, or more)
• N95 Respirator masks (box of 30, or more)

Medical items to have on hand

• Thermometer: digital, can be acquired for about $10
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Lip moisturizers: such as Chapstick
• Antibiotic ointment: such as Neosporin or Bacitracin

Disinfectants and other items

Bleach: (such as Clorox): have at least two gallons, one regular (non-scented) and one scented (if desired). Bleach is an excellent disinfectant. Use the recommended dilution rate on the bottle. Non-scented bleach is also good to disinfect water for drinking (see the section on “Water” for more information.) Bleach solution is good for wiping down surfaces that may have had contact from someone ill in your family. Use bleach when washing bed sheets/cases, mattress protectors, and blankets for those who have been ill.

Paper cups, plates, dishes, forks, spoons. When serving someone who is ill, consider using disposable dinnerware. Generally, viruses have difficulty surviving temperatures above 150 degrees. Your tap water may be set at 130 degrees, or so, but the drying action in most dishwashers exceeds the water temperature and should suffice to disinfect dinnerware. If you don’t have a dishwasher, use a small amount of household bleach in your dishwater along with your detergent.

Prescription medications

Keep a 30-day supply of necessary prescription medications in reserve

Conditions during a pandemic period will be very unpredictable. Pharmacies will be in short supply of many prescription medications, and their ability to get restocked on a timely basis my be impeded. Talk to your doctor about medications that are crucial to you. You should have at least a 30-day supply, in reserve, at all times. Many medical plans allow prescriptions to be filled by mail, often on 90-day cycles. Try to refill your necessary prescriptions such that you have a 30-day supply in reserve. Do this once, and then cycle in your older reserve each time you renew, then hold aside a fresh 30-day supply. Alternatively, ask your doctor for a second prescription specifically for the 30-day supply.