For the last couple of winters (primary stomach bug season) it has been my intent to create one of these. Of course, intent doesn't get er done, and last weekend when my husband fell to a virus or food poisoning, I really felt the need for some of these supplies. Luckily he was the only one who fell and I had a chance this week to make up for my inadequacy. There is nothing like the whole family falling to a 24- or 48-hour bout of stomach virus to show you how poorly prepared you are for such an event, and hopefully just by putting together my survival kit, I'll have acquired a bit of insurance.
Unfortunately, Faith already used the kit last night and today, but I'm not sure if it was an authentic bug or her first migraine headache -- she had a really bad headache and then threw up a couple times. She was really ok today, I was just very cautious and made her eat blandly.
Your kit would be specific to your family's tastes, but a few suggestions are:
soda pop, especially coke (started out as a aid for stomach upset though I'm pretty sure is nothing like the original any more), sprite (which has sodium citrate -- an acid reducer), and ginger ale (with real ginger)
Gatorade or Pedialyte for young children
saltine crackers
canned peaches (maybe an old wive's tale that peach juice helps sick tummies -- one tablespoon at a time)
chicken bouillon
chicken noodle soup -- for when food stays down
cheese and peanut butter sandwich crackers, also for when food stays down as a transition to real food
anti-diarrhea medicine
I would also put tea bags in here, but we always have those in the pantry
I would also put lysol wipes and spray in here, but those are always under the sink
Oh, poor Faith, hope she doesn't start getting migraines, they are no fun! (my sister gets them)
ReplyDeleteLove the kit idea, if you have the room it's a great idea!
I put the box on a shelf in the basement and hopefully the kids won't see it because the boys will drink the soda. I put a sign on the box that says "do not touch unless you are puking!"
DeleteI hope Faith feels better VERY soon! Poor dear!
ReplyDeleteAnd I really like the idea of a tummy-virus survival kit! I am always without what we need when a stomach bug hits. And the last time it swept through the house, I got it, too. UGH! Anyway, I just may have to "pin" this =)
Today she says she feels great!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am glad just knowing I am prepared for next time.
Just an FYI regarding the wipes. Noroviruses are the group of viruses most commonly to blame for the "stomach flu." They are very contagious and also very hard to disinfect. Wipes (unless they are a specialty brand that you've ordered specifically for the reason) are not likely to kill norovirus. You can check on the label, it should list norovirus. Lysol spray does kill it but you have to use a high concentration. Your best bet really is bleach. This is the link I turn to for info when we have a bout of stomach virus: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Guidelines_for_Environmental_Cleaning_125846_7.pdf
ReplyDeleteHope everyone is feeling better in your house!!
~Tamie
Thanks for the tip, Tamie. Good to know.
DeleteBarbara
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteThe peaches in heavy syrup worked for my littles, one tablespoon at a time.
And we had the Norovirus last year...bleach or rubbing Alcohol(over 90%) are the only things to use when wiping down areas....highly contagious and long living bug:((
Seems like there are more tummy bugs going around lately:((
Thanks, Kathleen. Never thought of alcohol!
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