Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
How to Make an Emergency Flu Kit. Don't wait until your temperature is 102 to realize that
you're out of ibuprofen or it's expired. Stash away these essentials now, in an emergency
flu kit. You will need Thermometer Ibuprofen or acetaminophen Decongestant Antihistamine
Cough suppressant Tissues Hand sanitizer Face mask Liquids and dvds. Seek emergency medical
attention for a child with a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 24 hours
and is unresponsive or sluggish. Adults should seek emergency care if they have difficulty
breathing, persistent vomiting, or sudden dizziness or confusion. Step 1. Put a thermometer
into your emergency flu kit. One sign that you have the flu is a high fever. Step 2.
Sock away some ibuprofen or acetaminophen to lower your temperature and relieve muscle
aches. Aspirin is not the first choice for fever reduction: it may be toxic in large
doses in adults and may cause Reye’s syndrome -- a rare but serious condition -- in children
and teenagers. Step 3. Tuck a decongestant into your emergency flu kit to treat nasal
blockage. Do not give cold and flu medicine to children under age 4. Consult a doctor.
Step 4. Include a cough suppressant to take at night if needed. Avoid taking it during
the day, when it's better to expel any phlegm. Be careful when mixing over-the-counter medications;
several may have an ingredient in common, which can lead to an inadvertent overdose.
Step 5. Stock up on tissues and hand sanitizer. Consider keeping a face mask in your emergency
flu kit to help prevent spreading the flu to housemates with weakened immune systems
-- the very young, the very old, and anyone with a chronic illness. Step 6. Store sports
drinks to avoid dehydration. If you prefer bottled water to tap, have extra set aside.
And put away some packaged soups and herbal tea; hot liquids can be soothing and you probably
won't feel like cooking. Finally, stash some comedy DVDs -- because laughter really can
be the best medicine. Did you know There's no such thing as the "stomach flu." Gastrointestinal
distress is usually caused by eating or drinking something contaminated.