Organizing certain over-the-counter medications, hydration packs, and other items in an accessible place can quickly help prepare you to relieve symptoms like congestion, coughing, and diarrhea.

Viral infections like the common cold, gastroenteritis, and the flu are very common. On average, adults experience two to three colds every year in the United States, while children may experience more.

Having a medium-sized box or basket at home that contains several over-the-counter (OTC) medications, herbal remedies, and specific ingredients can help you start relieving symptoms immediately.

Keep reading to learn more about what to have in your sick day starter pack and when to connect with a healthcare professional.

A note on home remedies for viral infections

Viral infections like the common cold, gastroenteritis, COVID-19, and the flu may cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

Several OTC and home remedies can relieve symptoms, but it’s important to note that they can’t “cure” the infection.

In most cases, viral infections get better on their own. This also means that antibiotics are ineffective at relieving symptoms or managing the infection.

Many different types of OTC medications are available to help manage a wide range of ear, nose, throat, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

The number of products and the information on their labels may feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to have each product in your sick day starter pack. Instead, select OTC drugs that target the most common symptoms.

Some OTC medications to have in your sick day starter pack include:

Having a digital thermometer in your sick day starter pack is also an essential way to check your body temperature for signs of fever. You may have a fever if your body temperature is above the following:

  • Adults and children: 100.4°F (38°C) (oral)
  • Babies (under 1 year): 99°F (37.2°C) (armpit) or 100.4°F (38°C) (rectal)

Nasal irrigation pumps are also useful tools to help relieve symptoms of nasal congestion.

Generic vs. brand-name drugs

Many common OTC medications are sold as generic drugs instead of from a brand. Generic drugs are more affordable than brand-name medications and are just as effective and safe.

When you’re looking for a specific medication, it’s important to note that the color, size, and shape of the packaging or drug may not look the same. However, they work the same.

If you need help finding a specific OTC medication, speak with a pharmacist.

Learn more: What’s the difference between generic and brand-name drugs?

Keeping some common pantry items in stock can help make staying hydrated and well-fed easier when you’re sick.

Drinking enough fluids and getting enough vitamins, nutrients, and minerals is crucial when you’re sick, especially if you have diarrhea.

Some popular items to keep in stock include:

Honey is also an effective home remedy for relieving a sore throat, especially when added to hot tea. However, infants under 1 year old shouldn’t be given honey.

Make sure to regularly check the expiration dates on these pantry items to make sure they’re still OK to consume.

In addition to OTC medications, having specific items stocked in your home can help prevent the virus from spreading to someone else. These items include:

  • alcohol hand sanitizer
  • antibacterial hand soap
  • face masks
  • cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes
  • tissues and a small, portable bin to dispose of used ones

Being comfortable is also important, so consider keeping a pair of warm pyjamas and socks in an accessible place for when you’re sick.

Most cases of viral infections, such as the common cold, will go away on their own after 1 to 2 weeks. However, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends connecting with a primary care physician (PCP) if:

  • you have a fever that lasts 3 days
  • your symptoms worsen or don’t get better after 10 days
  • you experience chest pain, shivers, and shortness of breath
  • you have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or cancer

A PCP may recommend specific treatments to help you manage your symptoms.

What you can do today

If you don’t have a sick day starter pack or you have various OTC products scattered around the home, consider getting started today to be prepared for the next time you’re sick.

  • Get a shoe-sized basket, box, or container to store your OTC medications and other items like a thermometer, hand sanitizer, and face masks. Keep the box in an accessible place that is out of reach of children.
  • Check the labels on any OTC medications, hydration solutions, food items, and safety equipment to ensure they’re still OK to use.
  • If you’re living with a chronic condition or are taking any medications, speak with a doctor about OTC medications you should avoid to prevent any complications.
  • Stay up-to-date with your flu shots (vaccinations) to help reduce the risk of catching the flu or the severity of flu symptoms.

Viruses that can cause symptoms, like a stuffy nose, sore throat, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, are relatively common.

In many cases, they don’t require medical treatments, but home remedies can help relieve symptoms and improve your recovery.

Being prepared with a sick day starter pack at home can help you start recovering as soon as possible.