Your COVID-19 Top Ten preparedness checklist
Each day in Illinois, we see around 2,000 new cases of COVID-19. The virus is not yet contained. We still need to be on guard. The good news is, about 80% of cases are mild to moderate and can be treated at home. But if this happened to you, would you have what you need on hand?
I'm a big believer in being prepared. To that end, I bring you my COVID-19 preparedness checklist — my Top 10 list of medical and household supplies to keep on hand, just in case.
Better to have them and not need them than the other way around!
1. A thermometer. Fevers are among the most prevalent symptoms of COVID-19. If you already have a thermometer, make sure it's working. If you don't, now's the time to get one. But they've been in high demand, so you may need to do some hunting.
2. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These over-the-counter pain relievers reduce fever and related symptoms. Always use according to directions. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.
3. A pulse oximeter. This clip-on device measures the oxygen in your blood. It's valuable for patients who develop pneumonia as a result of COVID-19 because plummeting oxygen levels indicate your condition is worsening. While not everyone needs one, they're helpful for high-risk individuals, especially those with respiratory conditions.
4. Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. For disinfecting thermometers, pulse oximeters and other medical devices after each use.
5. Over-the-counter soothers. Because coughs and sore throats are common COVID-19 symptoms, it's helpful to keep throat lozenges and honey on hand.
6. A 30-day supply of all prescriptions. While many pharmacies are delivering now, having your meds on hand is one less thing to worry about. The same goes for supplements and OTCs you rely on.
7. A well-stocked pantry. Nourishment is important when you're fighting illness. Fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, soups, tuna and plenty of healthy fluids are good choices. In addition, have a plan for getting food delivered if necessary.
8. Soap, masks and hand sanitizer. Hopefully, you have all of these down by now. Frequent hand-washing, of course, is one of the strongest preventive measures we can take — and you don't need antibacterial soap; regular soap is very effective. Masks are a must when you're out and about, as is hand sanitizer (look for products that contain at least 60% alcohol).
9. Disinfectants and cleaning products. The COVID-19 virus can live on surfaces for some time, which is why it's important to regularly sanitize frequently touched items (doorknobs, light switches, smartphones, etc.) But not all cleaning products are equally effective — you can find a list of proven disinfectants at EPA.gov.
10. Medical summaries for each family member. An up-to-date medical summary — specifying health conditions, allergies, doctors and all medications — will provide medical staff with crucial information in the event of an emergency. Beyond the current COVID-19 crisis, it's a valuable tool to keep handy to protect your health.
Stay well!
• Teri Dreher is a board-certified patient advocate. A critical care nurse for more than 30 years, she recently founded Seniors Alone Guardianship & Advocacy Services (SeniorsAlone.org), a not-for-profit organization that serves the area's senior orphans. She also is the founder of NShore Patient Advocates, www.northshorern.com.