Stock Up for Cold and Flu (and Influenza) Season: What to Keep on Hand
It was a why didn’t I think of this before? moment. My husband and I have had our kids for over a decade now, and it didn’t occur to me until a couple months ago to actually be prepared for cold and flu season. Instead of a rushed trip to the grocery store for soup and Powerade, why not have a stash ready to go in case of fever, runny nose or vomiting?
This viral season I’ve been especially grateful to be prepared. First there was my husband’s bad luck with bad eggnog (not a virus but it sure acted like one). Then last week my boys and myself came down with Influenza A and we went through our supplies like the virus itself through its unsuspecting victims. Having our sick kit on hand meant I didn’t have to drag my feverish family to town for supplies and we could just stay home and heal.
Now it’s time to restock. Here’s the list of items our family keeps on hand so we are prepared for cold and flu season. Clear a space in a cupboard and be ready for the almost certain infections that will come your family’s way:
- A working thermometer and extra batteries for it.
- Facial tissues. Several boxes.
- A basin. For, well, you know. So you don’t have to race for the trash can.
- Electrolyte replacement of your choice (and suitable for the age of your kids)…Powerade, Gatorade, Pedialyte, for instance.
- Cans of broth-based soup. Chicken noodle. Straight-up beef broth. Pioneer Woman (or my earth-mama aunt) would probably have the homemade stuff in her freezer. But in no way is that necessary. *
- Tylenol (acetominophen) and ibuprofen in syrup, chewable or “pill” form, whatever is appropriate for your family members.
- Cough drops.
- Hand sanitizer. Personal-sized for work, school and on-the-go. Plus keep a bottle or two hand-y in the kitchen and other busy areas of your home.
- Antiseptic bathroom wipes. Like the ones that claim they kill 99.9% of germs. Pick your fav and stock up so you can wipe down those door knobs and sink handles in one fell swipe.
- If you’re looking to stock your cupboard with more natural approaches to winter ailments try elderberry syrup, which was recommended to us by the physician assistant who diagnosed our son with Influenza A. Elderberry may boost immunity and lower the duration of common cold symptoms, among other benefits. The syrup available at the store can include other ingredients such as echinacea so be sure to read labels carefully. Interested in elderberry? Read more here.
- Tea. Stash some ginger or lemon tea bags. Or make your own and be sure to have some additional ingredients on hand like cinnamon sticks, turmeric and fresh lemons and ginger. Here’s a homemade tea that can help combat the coughing and sneezing.
*Ok. Full disclosure. I love homemade chicken broth. Making it sounds intimidating but it honestly isn’t. The hands-on time is minimal and why waste the skin and bones from that delicious rotisserie chicken? Here’s my quick recipe for homemade chicken broth, and feel free to play with the ingredients for your own personal touch:
- carcass and bones from one whole chicken (I discard the larger pieces of skin to reduce the fatty content of the broth.)
- carrot and celery cut into one-inch pieces
- one medium onion, quartered
- smashed garlic cloves to taste
- salt and crushed black peppercorns (or coarse ground black pepper), to taste
- one or two large bay leaves
- dried thyme and dried rosemary, to taste
Place all the above in a stockpot and add enough cold water to just cover the bones. Bring to a boil and cover, reducing to a simmer. Simmer at least 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let “steep.” When the pot is cool enough to touch, place it in the refrigerator until the broth is completely cooled, several hours to overnight. Skim fat from surface and remove and discard the carcass and bones. Strain veggies and herbs and discard. Divide broth into freezer-safe containers or place in ice cube trays. Freeze for later use or refrigerate for use in the next week. Enjoy!
