Sports drinks and water, broth, humidifier are among the items you should have on hand.
Jupiter Images UnlimitedYou can save yourself some worry by assembling a "flu survival kit' now, while you're still healthy.Items you should stock now, so you’re prepared in case influenza (or even a rotten cold) brings you down: (List courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center’s Joe Bick, manager of infection prevention and control, and Dr. Sally Klemens, epidemiologist, with help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
* A working telephone.
* A cool mist humidifer (for small children).
* Suction bulb (for small children).
* Medications to lessen symptoms, including acetominophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
* Soap for handwashing, plus alcohol hand rub.
* Tissues, paper towels.
* Surgical face mask (to limit spread to others).
* Sports drinks and water for drinking.
* Broth.
* Household disinfectant.
* A good book – or something to read, or watch, while convalescing.
Your friendly neighborhood health & fitness editor would also add some of her favorite feel-better aides -- warm, fuzzy socks; fleece jammies; cider or tea for hot beverages; lozenges to ease throat pain (but not for little kids); lip balm; hand and body lotion (since alcohol cleansers can be drying); and bubbles for a warm bath.
What else makes you feel better when you're sick? What have we left off this list?
Monday February 06, 2012 
10:24 pm
