Reliable guideline for children's health
The arrival of flu season each year raises concerns for many families about the health of children and loved ones. To prevent the flu and handle sudden symptoms at home, it is essential to prepare some key items in advance. Stocking up on these supplies not only helps alleviate flu symptoms but also ensures that the sick can recover comfortably at home, reducing the risk of unnecessary exposure to infections.
Let’s take a look at the list of items that should be stocked up during flu season.
One of the typical symptoms of the flu is fever, so it is essential to have a thermometer at home. Whether it’s a traditional mercury thermometer or an electronic one, it can help parents monitor family members’ temperatures, especially in children. If a child has a persistent fever or high temperature, knowing this in a timely manner can help parents determine whether a doctor’s visit is necessary.
During flu season, fever is a common symptom, and parents can prepare some safe antipyretics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen. These medications can help relieve fever in both children and adults and alleviate muscle aches and headaches caused by the flu.
When using medication, be sure to follow the doctor’s recommended dosage, especially for children, to avoid overdosing.
For high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, doctors may recommend stocking up on antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), during flu season. If family members exhibit flu symptoms, taking antiviral medication promptly can help reduce the severity of the illness and shorten recovery time.
This type of medication is most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset, making advance stocking very important.
Flu spreads through the air, especially via respiratory droplets. Therefore, masks are essential items to stock during flu season. If family members go out or if someone at home shows flu symptoms, wearing masks can effectively reduce the spread of the virus.
In addition to masks, enough disinfectants such as hand sanitizers, alcohol-based sprays, and wipes should also be stored. Maintaining hand hygiene is key to preventing the spread of the flu, especially in homes with children, so it is important to teach them how to wash their hands properly and use disinfectants.
Flu patients often experience symptoms like a runny nose and cough, so stocking enough tissues and disposable handkerchiefs at home can help patients manage these symptoms and also reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Used disposable handkerchiefs should be discarded immediately, and family members should be reminded to wash their hands thoroughly after use.
During flu season, especially in winter, dry air can easily lead to a dry throat and discomfort in the nasal passages. Having some moisturizing sprays or a humidifier at home can help alleviate patients’ discomfort. Moisturizing sprays can relieve dry throat sensations, while a humidifier can improve air humidity and alleviate respiratory symptoms.
Flu patients often experience symptoms like fever, sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can lead to a loss of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Therefore, stocking up on some electrolyte drinks or oral rehydration salts (like ORS) in advance can help patients maintain their body’s fluid balance and prevent dehydration.
These drinks are especially suitable for children and the elderly, who are more prone to dehydration during flu season.
During flu season, patients typically experience a loss of appetite, but it is crucial to provide enough nutrition and fluids for recovery. Stocking up on easy-to-digest foods like chicken soup, vegetable soup, oatmeal, or congee can help patients get energy without putting too much strain on their bodies.
Additionally, drinks like warm water, ginger tea, or lemon honey water can not only help patients replenish fluids but also soothe throat discomfort.
Although this is not a “supply,” flu patients need a comfortable resting environment to aid their recovery. Ensuring that patients have enough blankets, pillows, and a quiet space can help them rest better. Reducing noise and light disturbances can improve the quality of sleep for patients, thus speeding up recovery.
Finally, it’s essential to have a list of emergency contact information at home, including the family doctor’s phone number and the location of the nearest hospital. This way, if flu symptoms worsen, parents can quickly contact a doctor or take their child for medical treatment, avoiding delays in care.
While the arrival of flu season is unavoidable, stocking up on these items in advance can effectively reduce the discomfort brought on by the flu and ensure that family members receive ample care and protection at home. Whether it’s a thermometer, medications, disinfectants, or a comfortable resting environment, each preparation can help family members recover faster.
Most importantly, family members should work together to implement protective measures and minimize the spread of flu viruses within the household, ensuring everyone's health and safety.
