What should you put in your coronavirus prep box?
By Eric Mack From Newsmax
Amid the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S., infected individuals will need to be stocked up for a potential home quarantine, and Business Insider provided a shopping list.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you can skip the face masks, advising they are best left to healthcare professionals who are treating the infected.
But here is a comprehensive checklist for you in the event you need to stay home for the suggested 14-day period, courtesy of BI:
- 14-day food supply for your entire household.
- Dry goods like rice, pasta, beans, and oats.
- Canned foods that contain liquid, such as tomatoes, beans, and tuna, making sure you also have a can opener.
- Gallon of water per person, and per pet, per day.
- Water-purification tablets and personal water filters if your water might be unsafe to drink.
- Comfort items like chocolate and coffee for your mental health.
- 30-day supply of prescription medicine.
- Laundry detergent.
- Hygienic products like soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, tissues, and feminine care products.
- Diapers if you have small children.
- First-aid kit to treat minor injuries.
- Antibiotic ointment packs.
- Gauze, bandages.
- Thermometers.
- Scissors, tweezers.
- An emergency blanket.
- Contact lenses or hearing-aid batteries.
- Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cough and cold medicines.
- Copies of your health records.
- Entertainment.
- Board games.
- Streaming services, TV.
- Internet access.
And, here are the CDC guidelines for protecting yourself amid the spread of contagious illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
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For more on this story go to: https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/quarantine-illness-preparation-medications/2020/03/03/id/956790/?ns_mail_uid=6952f1f9-507d-4a20-8cc0-0a1db158d76e&ns_mail_job=DM95464_03042020&s=acs&dkt_nbr=010124ufyqw2