Although the risk of getting coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, in the U.S. remains low, public health officials state it’s not clear how easily this new disease spreads from person to person.
Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
Since there’s no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests ways to reduce the risk of spreading an airborne virus in its Get Your Household Ready for Pandemic Flu brochure.
Here’s a quick list of supplies to have in your home in case of a broader outbreak or quarantine, and links to buy each one.
CORONAVIRUS IN OREGON: FULL COVERAGE
Food
It’s recommended that you have enough nonperishable food for two weeks, according to the American Red Cross. You can buy a compact bucket of dehydrated meals, from beef stew to granola, or shop for long-lasting food you won’t mind eating before it spoils.
- Canned foods (soups, vegetables, fruits)
- Other nonperishables (grains, pastas, rice)
- Snacks (chips, crackers, nuts)
- Baby food
- Pet food
Drinks
A two-week supply of water (if you don’t drink tap water) and other hydrating beverages is recommended.
- Water containers can safely store one gallon per person or pet per day
- Water filtration system
- Half-cup pouches of water, available by the case, have a five-year shelf life
- Bacteria- and parasite-removing water purification tablets and personal water filters work if you have access to untreated water
- Hydrating drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte
Hygiene
Good hygiene, particularly regular and thorough hand washing, is one of the best ways to protect yourself from coronavirus, or just plain old cold or flu, according the CDC. Soap and water and most household cleansers such as bleach wipes and alcohol will kill coronaviruses. If someone is sick at home, wipe kitchen counters, bathroom faucets and other surfaces several times a day.
- Antibacterial soap
- Hand sanitizer with high alcohol content (or make your own)
- Toilet paper
- Tissues
- Disinfecting wipes
- Feminine care products
- Diapers
- Laundry detergent
- Dish soap/detergent
- Cat litter
Medical
It’s important to have an adequate supply of any daily or prescription medications you take, according to Ready.gov. You can ask your insurance provider to approve an extended supply. In addition, it’s a good idea to have:
- A thermometer and acetaminophen like Tylenol to reduce fever.
- Over-the-counter medicines (pain relievers, cough suppressants, antihistamines) like Theraflu, Musenix, NyQuil, Ibuprofen and cough drops plus Imodium and other medicines in case of vomiting and diarrhea.
- First aid kit: The American Red Cross Deluxe Family First Aid Kit weighs only two pounds, including the zippered case with handles, yet it’s packed with 115 essential supplies to treat injuries: From aspirin and triple antibiotic ointment to a CPR face shield and the American Red Cross Emergency First Aid Guide tucked into a ringed binder.
- Pocket tissue packet
- Safety googles
- Pet antiseptic wipes
Gear
The CDC doesn’t recommend face masks for disease prevention. However, if you are sick, face masks, such as the Niosh N95 respirator mask, can help prevent people around you from contracting the disease. Do note that face masks are starting to go out of stock and become expensive. Consider other preventative options. Here’s some other gear:
- Face masks
- Emergency kits on the go or to be used at home
- Batteries
- American Red Cross Clipray crank-powered, flashlight and phone charger
- Portable emergency radio with Public Emergency Alert System information
Healthy habits
Follow these important practices on a regular basis:
- Stay away from crowds, called social distancing, to limit exposure and avoid close contact especially when traveling.
- If you or someone in your house is sick: Stay home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Health experts say you should scrub for 20 seconds, about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands to keep viruses from being airborne. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Throw away used tissues in no-touch disposal receptacle.
- Keep hands out of your mouth, nose and eyes to prevent transmission of not just coronavirus, but other respiratory diseases, according to the CDC.
- Enroll in Public Alerts, Citizen Alert or an emergency alert service in your county to be notified via text, call or email by emergency response agencies when you need to take action such as shelter-in-place or evacuate. Many public health departments also use social media to communicate timely and accurate pandemic flu information to the public.
- Bookmark the website or Facebook page of the Oregon Health Authority and a local health department, which regularly notify residents of health emergencies and other issues impacting the community.
- Make plans if schools and daycares close.
If you get sick
Most coronavirus cases are mild. If you feel sick, you don’t need to rush to the hospital or an urgent care facility right away.
- Call your primary care physician, who may be able to help you over the phone.
- If you believe you are having a medical emergency, dial 911.
- Separate yourself. People who are sick should not share a bedroom, bathroom, towels or eating utensils with other members of the household, and they should wear a face mask to reduce the spread of illness.
- Use a disinfectant to daily to clean doorknobs, light switches, toilet seats, countertops and other high-touch surfaces.
MORE ON THE CORONAVIRUS IN OREGON:
Keep kids home if they have fever, sniffles, other symptoms
How to properly wash hands to stop the spread of germs
How to prevent coronavirus, symptoms to watch for
What is the difference between coronavirus vs. COVID-19?
The U.S. surgeon general has a message for Americans -- stop buying masks now!
-- Janet Eastman with reporting by Ben Axelson | baxelson@syracuse.com
jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman
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