Preparing a Swine Flu Kit: Supplies to Have on Hand Just in Case

With confirmed cases of the swine flu in five states, and more cases expected throughout the United States, it is a good idea to be prepared in case you or one of your family members falls ill. Having items you will need in case the swine flu strikes in your community will save you having to go to the store when you or a family member is seriously ill. Here are some of the items you should have on hand to be prepared.

Medications for Swine Flu

You should have acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) on hand for controlling fever and helping with aches and pains associated with the swine flu. Remember not to give aspirin to children under age 18 because of the danger of Reyes.

Also stock your swine flu kit with an over-the-counter cold/flu medication that contains a decongestant and/or expectorant to help the with congestion and stuffiness nose that comes with the swine flu. Avoid cough suppressants as you want to cough to clear congestion. Lozenges in your swine flu kit will help soothe the sore throat that is one of the first symptoms. As there have been reports of vomiting and diarrhea with this swine flu strain, an over-the-counter medicine for gastro-intestinal symptoms should be included in your swine flu kit. Consult your doctor before using any of these medicines on very young children.

Medical Supplies for Swine Flu

You will want to have a thermometer for measuring fevers. A digital thermometer is a good, easy to read choice. Disposable sleeves for covering the thermometer or alcohol wipes for cleaning the thermometer between uses are good items for your swine flu kit, especially if you need to use the thermometer for different members of the family.

The effectiveness of face masks is debatable as the small flu virus can pass through most masks. However, you may want disposable face masks for an infected family member to help reduce the spread of droplets from coughing and sneezing if they must be around other family members. And if a caretaker needs to be in close contact with an ill family member, an optional item you may consider is an N95 respiratory mask in your swine flu which can filter out more of the swine flu virus than regular face masks. Get a stash of disposable gloves for your swine flu kit as well. If you have to pick up tissues after a sick child, or handle dirty laundry, they can help protect you.

Hygienic Supplies for Swine Flu

Stock up on tissues and trash bags for safe disposal of used tissues. You may also want a stock of paper towels for drying hands after washing, as shared hand towels can spread the virus. Otherwise, designate a separate hand towel for each family member by color or another method and wash them frequently.

Make sure you have hand soap for all your bathrooms and kitchen. Small bottles of Purell or another alcohol-based hand sanitizer is good for your swine flu kit. You can give them to the kids to take to school or put in your purse and car to use. Have a disinfecting cleaner such as Lysol products or bleach for your swine flu kit. You will need to disinfect surfaces and bathrooms if you have an ill family member.

Food and Fluid Supplies

As the swine flu can cause vomiting and diarrhea, it is important to stay well hydrated. Have broths, water, decaf tea, electrolyte sports drinks, and Pedialyte or similar for children on hand. Gingerale, 7-Up or peppermint tea can help settle a stomach. Loss of appetite and nausea is a common symptom, so have a supply of foods that are easy to stomach on hand. Light soups, cream of rice or wheat, jello, pudding, ice cream, and other soft foods are good choices. You will want a week's worth of food for non-ill family members as well, so that you are not making trips to the grocery store while you have been exposed to an ill family member.

Although the Swine flu is not yet widespread in the United States, it does no harm to be prepared for an outbreak in your community. You probably have many of these items already on hand, just taking some time to locate them and checking any medications for expiration dates is a good step to be prepared. By stocking these items for your swine flu kit, you will be prepared for the swine flu if you or one of your family members becomes infected.