As social distancing and self-isolation become our new normal, people around the world are stocking up on food, paper goods, and more to prepare to shelter in place.
But what many people aren’t thinking about is their medicine cabinet. Though many non-essential stores are closing, drug stores and pharmacies remain open, and now is an ideal time to stock up on a few items to ensure you have everything should a routine illness pop up. Here are the most important items to keep on hand:
- prescription medications
- prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
- fever and pain medicine, such as acetaminophen
- cough and cold medicines
- antidiarrheal medication
- thermometer
- fluids with electrolytes
- soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers, tampons, sanitary napkins
- garbage bags
Physicians also urge you to keep at least a 30-day supply of all prescription medication on hand.
While it may be a challenge to find some of these items such as hand sanitizer and toilet paper, when you do – please buy only what you need. Also, be sure to check your medicine cabinets first before leaving the house unnecessarily.
And if you are sick, ask a healthy friend to pick it up for you and drop it off on your porch.
