🩺 Winter Sickness Prep: Taking Stock Before the Season HitsWith the winter "sniffle season" quickly approaching, I just took an inventory of our
cold, flu, and bronchitis preps left over from last year. I also checked our
preventative supplies to make sure we're topped off. Here's what we've got and what we do.
🧼 Preventative MeasuresEvery time we return from a trip
outside the wire of the redoubt, we remind ourselves to
wash our hands. This remains the
#1 defense against catching whatever nastiness is floating around.
MrsMac and I mix our own
liquid foaming hand soap for the kitchen and bathroom sinks. We prefer foam-style dispensers we bought years ago and just keep refilling.
Our recipe:- 1/3 container 90% isopropyl alcohol
- 1/3 water
- 1/3 liquid dishwashing soap
To reduce the chance of picking up germs before we get home, I also keep
hand sanitizer in the truck. We use it after tasks like handling store keypads or pumping fuel.
We didn't use masks during Covid-19 and we do not today while in public. The reason being, I have asthma and it affected my breathing. Because it affected my breathing I kept adjusting the mask so I could breath. Germs on my hands were then being transferred to my face which is a no-no. A January 2022 CDC study found that, except for well-fitted N95/KN95 masks, many masks (e.g., cloth or loose surgical) offered limited protection against airborne illnesses due to fit and material issues.
Last, we focus on daily immune supplements too. Specifically, Zinc, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin D3, Quercetin, and Vitamin C. I will leave amount to you and I suggest you run any supplements you take with your GP before you start.
💊 OTC (Over-the-Counter) SuppliesHere's what we keep on our health prepping shelf year-round:
1. Fever & Pain Relief- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Gentle on the stomach; ideal for fever and mild pain.
Dose: 500-1,000 mg every 4-6 hours (max 3,000?4,000 mg/day). - Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Adds anti-inflammatory action for sore muscles or sinus pain.
Dose: 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours (max 1,200 mg/day for OTC).
Avoid if you have stomach ulcers, kidney issues, or take blood thinners.
2. Cough Suppressants & Expectorants- Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, Delsym): Suppresses dry, hacking coughs (great at night).
- Guaifenesin (Mucinex): Loosens mucus in productive coughs; drink plenty of water.
3. Decongestants & Nasal Aids- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): Strong oral decongestant (behind the pharmacy counter, ID required).
Avoid if you have high blood pressure. - Saline nasal spray or irrigation kit (NeilMed Sinus Rinse): Moisturizes and flushes sinuses.
Use 2?3? daily; pair with a nasal steroid spray like Flonase if needed.
4. Antihistamines- Loratadine (Claritin) or Cetirizine (Zyrtec): Non-drowsy relief from runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes.
Take once daily and start before peak symptom days for prevention.
5. Sore Throat & Multi-Symptom Soothers- Throat lozenges (Halls, Fisherman?s Friend): Menthol or honey-based; limit 6-8/day.
- Multi-symptom combos (DayQuil/NyQuil): Convenient all-in-one relief for cough, congestion, and fever.
Keep in mind quantities recommended for children under 12 years old. Also, liquids for 5 years old and younger are far better than pills.
I use the old prepper adage of
"one is none and two is one" when planning quantities of the above items - two per family member.
📋 Quick Reference: OTC Use Table| Category | Key Products | Primary Use | Pro Tip |
| Fever / Pain | Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen | Aches, fever >100.4 F | Alternate types to stay under daily limits; avoid NSAIDs if elderly or on blood thinners. |
| Cough | Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin | Dry vs. wet coughs | Honey (for ages 1+) can outperform some OTC suppressants in kids. |
| Congestion | Pseudoephedrine, Saline spray | Stuffy nose, sinus pressure | Don't use nasal sprays >3 days to avoid rebound congestion. |
| Allergy-like | Loratadine, Cetirizine | Runny nose, sneezing | Non-sedating formulas are great for daytime use. |
| Throat | Lozenges, Day/NyQuil | Irritation, flu-like symptoms | Lozenges aren't for infants - offer cool liquids instead. |
🧰 Bonus Non-Medication EssentialsBecause meds aren't everything, we also keep these tools handy:
- Digital thermometer: Track fevers. (one is none two is one)
- Vicks VapoRub: Soothes chest congestion.
- Electrolyte packets or broth mixes: Prevent dehydration from fever or diarrhea.
- Blood pressure monitor: For ongoing health tracking.
- Oxygen meter / finger pulse oximeter: Helps spot early respiratory issues.
- At-home COVID/flu test kits: Identify the illness to tailor treatment (e.g., use Tamiflu for confirmed flu). Store 2-4 tests per household member.
💊 Prescription SuppliesIf your GP is cooperative, some will
pre-write prescription meds for emergency use (though insurance rarely covers them).
If not, there are reputable companies such as
Jase Medical and others.
We've used Jase ourselves; our 5-item emergency kit cost about
$250 and included:
> Azithromycin - Pneumonia
> Ciprofloxacin - UTI, traveler's diarrhea
> Doxycycline - Pneumonia, infections
> Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) - Influenza
> Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Advair) - Inhalation Powder
> Ivermectin - Flu, Covid-19
🧭 Final ThoughtsStocking up now = peace of mind later. OTC items are inexpensive (usually under $10-15 each), and
generics work just as well as name brands. Check expiration dates yearly (I do mine in fall) and rotate out expired meds. Store in a cool, dry, out of direct light, place away from humidity to maximize shelf life.
As always, this is simply what
MrsMac and I do - not medical advice. Pregnant women, children, or anyone with chronic health conditions should always consult a
doctor or pharmacist first.
Stay warm, wash those hands, and here's to a
sniffle-free season!What do you do? Share with the group.
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