By Nicholas Kim
There has been an increase in COVID-19 cases and with winter coming, it’s only going to get worse. Everyone needs to be prepared for what’s coming.
As the weather gets colder and all of us are facing the double threat of the flu virus and the surge in COVID-19 cases, now is the right opportunity to stock up on food and supplies. The viruses will spread more during winter months because the air is less humid which means people’s nasal membranes are drier and more vulnerable to infection. Not only do people need to be aware of virus infections, the weather will get colder. People need to remain indoors and do whatever they can to stay warm and healthy.
Here are the things people will need when their pantries, freezers, and medicine cabinets are limited, and in case of sickness, quarantine or disaster this season.
For household cleaning and protection, people will need wipes and disinfectant for cleaning regularly touched surfaces like kitchen counters and doorknobs. In response to the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, people scrambled to stores and warehouses to buy large amounts of toilet paper and face masks. You can never have too much supplies for your own protection.
For household medicines, cough drops and syrup are needed for coughing symptoms, decongestants for congestion, acetaminophen and ibuprofen for pain and fevers, and antidiarrheals. Since fever is a symptom of COVID-19 and flu, it should be best to have a thermometer for checking temperature if a person feels warm. Don’t forget to take your flu shot before winter comes.
For household supplies of foods and drinks, people will need food and drinks that are nonperishables. Only go grocery shopping if pantries or freezers are empty or if you need to buy food for meals. For outdoor dining, it might be best to just order takeout because during winter, there will either be rain or freezing winds when people eat outside. If anyone owns pets, buy enough food for them to last them through the winter.
Last, but not least: entertainment. For this winter, you’ll need options to pass the time while you're stuck inside and no one wants to develop a case of cabin fever. Go binge watch on Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu for entertainment. There are a lot of new TV shows and movies coming out in fall and winter. If anybody’s not interested in TV shows and movies, go on social media and stay in touch with your friends.
This is everybody’s first time going up against COVID-19 winter, let’s hope these tips and information are useful when surviving COVID-19 and the flu. Stay safe, be vigilant, and most importantly, be healthy.
