Preps for the Flu or Cold
If and when you come down with the flu, it will be too late to go out and get medicines for treatment. One of the big differences between the flu and a cold is that the flu comes on very fast. Once you begin to notice that you are getting sick (weakness, aches, onset of fever), it will only be a matter of hours before you are in full blown flu. The flu tends to hit really hard. A typical common cold will give you a much milder ache and perhaps a low grade fever, and it will come on slowly. Once you get the flu for real, you will definitely know the difference. It usually knocks you down pretty quick.
Point being, you need to examine your flu remedies before you get it. Additionally, for you preppers, checking your medicine storage from time to time is good practice, particularly since some of these will expire over time.
Having said that, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure… During flu season pay particular attention to what you touch out in public. Flu germs will sit there alive for many hours on door knobs, shopping cart handles, computer keyboards, telephones, remote controls, etc. The second you unknowingly touch your hands to your face (eyes, nose, mouth) you will infect yourself. Wash your hands often. Keep hand disinfectant in your car for when you leave a public place. Stay away from people who are obviously sick (if they cough and you breath the air nearby, you will become infected).
A few suggestions of cold and flu remedies and supplies
- Easy foods like canned soup
- Drinks for dehydration (Pedialyte or similar)
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Acetaminophen – Aspirin (Excedrin)
- Acetaminophen – Decongestant – Cough Suppressant (DayQuil, NyQuil)
- Theraflu (over the conter)
- Tamiflu (prescription)
- Decongestant (Sudafed)
- Cough Suppressant (Robitussin)
- Sore throat lozenges
- Antihistamines
- Vitamins (at least Vitamin C and a Multi-Vitamin)
- REST…
As you notice, the items listed above are pharmaceuticals.
Suggestions for natural remedies? Please comment for the benefit of others…
There is evidence suggesting that elderberries contain a compound that prevents viruses from getting into cells. I made an elderberry syrup(dried berries simmered in water for 30 minutes, then drained and mixed with honey and stored in the fridge) and my partner and I have been take0ing 2 tbsp twice a day. We are living in flu central, and we are currently unscathed.
Thanks for that tip and recipe! It must be working for you…
That list above is quite horrifying .. canned soup? no no no … Ginger, Lemon, Honey, Cinnamon, Garlic, Onions, Oregano Oil, Ginseng … there’s a million natural remedies out there …
Thanks for the organic list. I personally especially like Garlic. Here is some more interesting information about high ORAC value food/spices, http://modernsurvivalblog.com/health/high-orac-value-antioxidant-foods-top-100/
Lets not forget echinacea, which you can also grow. Lets face it long term, pharmaceuticals may no longer be available if society breaks down permanantly.
Another good natural remedy. Thanks. From Wikipedia: “Echinacea can cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half”.
This week I successfully fended off a chest cold with Vitamin C and fresh garlic. Chicken broth is great for colds as well, but other soups are pretty much useless.
Don’t underestimate the power of simple steam. Whether it is a hot bath, a steamy shower or a warm mist humidifier, steam is a cough suppressant, decongestant, and just makes you feel better.
I had an old school doctor recommend Sambucus a combination of vitamin c, zinc, echinacea and elderberry. Found they make it for adults and children. We had been using elderberry extract and zinc. It really has helped the grandkids and wife with problems associated with the onset of the yucks.