What do you ACTUALLY Need to Buy to Prep for the Coronavirus?

The Coronavirus has hit U.S. soil and it’s spread seems inevitable. It’s inciting a lot of fear, thanks in part to the media sensationalizing things, and it’s sending everyone into full zombie-apocalypse prep mode. The shelves of our local Costco were nearly empty. So how panicked should we be and what do you really need to do to prepare? We put together a list of essentials to help you prepare for the Coronavirus.

Have you been to the store lately?

I’d been hearing reports about shelves being stripped bare but honestly thought it was all hype until I saw that my Costco was sold out of toilet paper and bottled water.

I wasn’t nervous about the coronavirus at all until this last week. I’d been vaguely paying attention to the news coverage, mostly because I teach English to kids in China through VIPKid and with kids home from school my teaching schedule has been staying extremely busy.

I have a few kids and a husband with compromised immune systems so once I heard that it had hit U.S. soil I started to get anxious.

I didn’t start actively following the news until I heard that my friend, Jerri Jorgensen,  co-founder of Desert Solace residential treatment center, was quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship and later tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

After several weeks in quarantine in a Japanese hospital, she has finally tested negative and will be on her way home soon. Since she is way more entitled to be freaking out at the moment than I am and isn’t, I wanted to get her perspective on what we needed to be doing to prep for the coronavirus.

She says,

“First of all I would say to not panic! This virus is contagious, knows no boundaries, and seems to last longer than the normal flu. The upside is that this virus does not have as bad of symptoms as a normal flu would. So it may last a bit longer, but you don’t feel as bad. Now saying that the people that have died from this have all had underlying health issues. If your health is relatively good, you don’t have underlying health issues, or not Into your 80s or 90s, it won’t be that bad. You can self quarantine at home. Masks do nothing! They provide us with a false sense of security and even the CDC says do not wear them. The only ones that should wear them are those that are caretaking someone that is ill. If you’re sneezing and coughing and want to put a mask on, just stay home and wait it out. Eat healthy, wash your hands a lot, do not touch your face, Hydrate, eat healthy, exercise. All the things that we should be doing normally anyway. An extra emphasis on handwashing and not touching your face and sneezing or coughing in your elbow are critical”

I have loved seeing how positive she has been through her experience and how she is encouraging people to enjoy life and not live in fear. THAT is really what we all need to remember right now.

Wait … Don’t Panic

I am NOT one to run out and prep like doomsday is coming. I generally think it is ridiculous. I do like to be prepared though.

As my anxiety rose, I had to stop myself and consider the source of my information. The news stories were stressing me out so I’ve primarily limited my information to:

• The World Health Organization
• Center for Disease Control

They are the sources that are going to give you accurate information without all of the sensationalism. I’d also recommend keeping an eye on your local news and watch for updates from your local school district so you can stay informed.

CDC spokesman Benjamin Haynes said:

 I had a conversation with my family over breakfast this morning and I told my children that while I didn’t think that they were at risk right now, we as a family need to be preparing for significant disruption of our lives.  You should ask your children’s school about their plans for school dismissals or school closures.  If ask if there are plans for teleschool.  I contacted my local school superintendent this morning with exactly those questions.  You should think about what you would do for childcare if schools or day cares close.  If teleworking is an option for you.  All of these questions can help you be better prepared for what might happen.

What DON’T YOU NEED TO BUY

Before you run out and buy a lifetime supply of toilet paper, there are some things that you do not need to buy. There’s no point in wasting your money stocking up on things that won’t make a difference even if the Coronavirus comes to your city.

Masks

Guys, you do not need masks. I know there’s a ton of people buying them but I don’t see anyone actually wearing them (at least where I live). Save them for the frontline healthcare workers that really need them. From what I understand, they primarily prevent you from spreading the virus, not necessarily catching it. If you get sick, just stay home.

The Surgeon General has urged people to stop buying masks. He turned to Twitter and said “Seriously people- STOP BUYING MASKS! They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!”

Seriously people- STOP BUYING MASKS!

They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!
https://t.co/UxZRwxxKL9

— U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) February 29, 2020

Bottled Water

My Costco was completely sold out of bottled water. People had been buying carts full of water. I live in the desert so I fully support the need to have water on hand in case of an emergency … but in this case, water won’t help you. Even in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, utilities have not been shut off. The virus does not transfer through the water. Everything I’m reading says it is currently airborne.

Worst case scenario is likely needing to be quarantined in your home for 2 weeks (with running water and electricity). Unless you need bottled water due to a medical issue or do not have access to safe water in your home, bottled water is unnecessary.

If you are really concerned about the water being contaminated, it’s always a good idea to have something to filter water in your emergency supplies. I’m a big fan of these LifeStraw water bottles. We always have a few extra 5 gallon bottles of water for our Primo Water Dispenser on hand too.

What to Purchase to Prepare for the Coronavirus

Okay, take a deep breath. Now that you aren’t in panic mode you can take a look at some of the things that might be smart to stock up on.

I have a friend who works in a biological testing facility and will likely be responsible for testing coronavirus samples. She says most of the hype about the virus is completely over-sensationalized. The majority of people who get sick with the virus won’t have severe symptoms. She recommended stocking up on just the essentials you’d need to get through 2 weeks without a trip to the store just to be on the safe side.

The biggest risk to prepare for is the potential that you may not be able to leave your home, either because you are ill or because your community has been put under quarantine.

It’s smart to have a few things on hand in case you are not able to get to the store.

Prescription Medications

If you take any medications on a regular basis, it is smart to have some extra on hand. Most sources recommend having a 30-day supply of essential prescription medications on hand. The U.S. is already facing some drug shortages due to the fact that some of the manufacturing is in areas that are currently facing a coronavirus outbreak.

Stocking up on prescription drugs is more difficult but not impossible. I take medication for a heart condition. My doctor was able to write me a prescription for a larger supply. In the past, my pharmacist has let me pick up a new prescription about a week early so I have extra. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist and see what your options are.

Toilet Paper

Even though I was shaking my head at all the people buying pallets full of bottled water at Costco, I was there filling my cart with toilet paper … because I can deal with a lot of things but the potential of being stuck in my home without toilet paper is a ‘no’ for me. Everything in our home also serves more than one purpose so toilet paper is usually our go-to tissue option when we are sick.

The good news is, toilet paper is not perishable so even if you buy more than you need at the moment, it will get used eventually. My grandmother had a wall of toilet paper in her garage and didn’t have to buy more toilet paper for the rest of her life and that’s pretty much #goals for me, pandemic or not because I hate having to make an extra trip to the store just for toilet paper.

Many local stores are sold out of toilet paper but most are getting shipments in daily and you can still find plenty of toilet paper on Amazon.

A Two week supply of food

Having a 2 week supply of food in your home is just generally a good idea and it is exactly what the Department of Homeland security recommends in the event of a pandemic. I likely already have 2 weeks worth of stuff in my home that would prevent starvation but none of us would like what we were eating by the end. I have teenagers who grill up burgers as snacks so I did make sure my freezer and pantry were fairly stocked.

Focus on basic comfort meals that are fairly shelf-stable or can be stored in the freezer since the chances are very slim that you would be without power in this situation. We could do a week’s worth of pasta if we needed to. I grabbed things like potatoes, eggs, and apples that can last several weeks in a pinch and stocked my freezer with meat and vegetables.

Shelf Stable Food (that isn’t gross) to store for an emergency

Dole Mandarin Oranges in Light Syrup, 15 Ounce Cans (Pack of 12)Quaker Instant Oatmeal, Fruit & Cream 4 Flavor Variety Pack, Individual Packets, 48 CountPLANTERS Deluxe Pistachio Mix, 18.5 oz. Resealable Container | Pistachio Lover’s Mix: Pistachios, Almonds & Cashews | Mixed Nut Snacks | KosherEdward & Sons Organic Mashed Potatoes Roasted Garlic, 3.5 Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)Ocean Spray Craisins Dried Cranberries, Reduced Sugar, 20 Ounce Value PackStarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water, 5 Ounce Cans (Pack of 8)Jif Creamy Peanut Butter, 40 oz., 2 Count – 7g (7% DV) of Protein per Serving, Smooth, Creamy Texture – No Stir Peanut ButterKraft Easy Mac Microwavable Macaroni & Cheese (6.7oz Packets, Pack of 18)Amy’s Organic Chili, Light in Sodium Medium, 14.7 Ounce (Pack of 12)Campbell’s Ready Meals, Creamy Dumplings with Chicken & Vegetables, 9 Ounce (Pack of 6)Campbell’s Condensed Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup, 10.5 oz. Can (Pack of 12)Tasty Bite Indian Entree Vegetable Tikka Masala 10 Ounce (Pack of 6), Fully Cooked Indian Entrée with Vegetables & Aromatic Spices in Creamy Tomato Sauce, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Ready to EatStarKist Chicken Creations, Chicken Salad, 2.6 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)Mott’s Unsweetened Applesauce, 3.9 Ounce Cup, 36 Count (Pack of 1), 140.4 OunceAmazon Brand – Happy Belly Low Sodium Marinara Sauce, 24 oz (Pack of 6) (Previously Solimo)Barilla Pasta, Penne, 16 Ounce (Pack of 8)

 

Basic medical supplies

As a general rule, I try to have a few basics on hand as far as medical supplies go. I keep basic first aid supplies on hand and pain relievers, cold medicine, and other medications that we take on a regular basis.

Do not go overboard on this because if you don’t get sick these medications are likely to expire before you use them and if supplies become limited you’ll be taking them away from people who need them. We stocked up on children’s fever reducers/pain relievers, adult ibuprofen, and a few cold medicines. Of course, we’ve been sick with an assortment of different things for the past 2 months so we stocked up before anyone was even excited about the coronavirus.

Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels with Acetaminophen, Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer, 100 ctInfants’ Tylenol Acetaminophen Liquid Medicine, Grape, 2 fl. ozChildren’s Tylenol Chewables, Acetaminophen for Pain & Fever Relief, Bubble Gum, 24 ctRobitussin Maximum Strength Cough and Chest Congestion DM Non-Drowsy Liquid Box, 8 Fluid OunceBoiron Chestal Honey Adult Cough Syrup, 6.7 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Homeopathic Medicine for Cough and Chest CongestionZarbee’s Naturals Children’s Cough Syrup* + Mucus Daytime & Nighttime, Grape Flavor, 4 Ounces (Pack of 2)Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief Liquid, Grape Flavor- Day Or Night Cough Suppressant With Dextromethorphan, Helps Quiet Cough By Suppressing Cough Reflex, 5 oz.Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine, Citrus Effervescent Tablets with Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer, Citrus, 20 CountLuden’s Cough Drops, Wild Cherry, 90 DropsHalls Sugar Free Cough Suppressant, Honey-Lemon, 180-Drop BagRicola Herb Cough Suppressant Throat Drops, LemonMint, 24 Drops, Fights Coughs Naturally, Soothes Throats, Naturally Soothing ReliefVicks VapoCOOL Medicated Drops, 5 Packs of 50 (250 Drops Total) – Soothe Sore Throat Pain Caused by Cough

 

Cleaning Supplies

Disinfecting your home and practicing good handwashing habits are some of the best things you can do to keep your family healthy. With cleaning wipes flying off the shelves, you may need to look for some alternatives to disinfect your home.

I’m a huge fan of the doTERRA On Guard products. I use everything from their hand sanitizer spray, to their soap and cleaning concentrate. I find that the cleaning concentrate is more cost-effective than a lot of other products and in a home with asthmatics, I feel much more comfortable using it. You can find On Guard products here.

Cleaning Supplies to Have in your Emergency Supply

Seventh Generation Multi-Purpose Wipes, Garden Mint, 111 CountClorox Disinfecting Bleach Free Cleaning Wipes, Fresh Scent & Lemon Fresh, 225CountLysol Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack, Lemon and Lime Blossom, 35 Count Canister, Pack of 3,Packaging May VaryPDI Sani-cloth HB Germicidal Disposable Wipes 6Clorox® Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting Cleaner Spray – 1 QT.- Kills Norovirus in 1 min.PURELL Multi-Surface Disinfectant Spray, Fresh Fragrance, 28 fl oz Trigger Spray Bottle (Pack of 2) – 2845-02-ECCALSeventh Generation Disinfectant Spray, Fresh Citrus & Thyme, 13.9 Ounce (Pack of 4)Amazon Brand – Solimo Disinfecting Wipes, Lemon Scent & Fresh Scent, 75 Wipes Each (Pack of 2)Clorox Splash-Less Bleach, Regular, 2 Pack of 55 fl oz each/ 110 Ounces TotalAmazon Brand – Solimo Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution USP, 32 Fl. Oz (Pack of 6)McKesson – Hydrogen Peroxide – 1 gal. Solution – Bottle – McKBounty, 8 Rolls

 

Prepare then Forget about it

I’m not a huge prepper. I like to take the stance of preparing the best I can then move on. My family now has some basic medical supplies, a month’s supply of toilet paper, enough food for several weeks (although with teenagers they will probably just eat more and leave my pantry empty in a week). We’ve vaguely prepared and paying attention to our local news but now we are doing our best to just forget about it and live our lives as we normally would.