COVID Essentials - My List Of Things To Have On Hand
- NicoleDeRosa
- Dec 9, 2022
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 14
After two + a half years of avoiding Covid, my parents + I finally caught it. Honestly, I’m incredibly grateful that we somehow managed to avoid getting sick during the earlier stages of the pandemic. Sometimes I still wonder if my clinical-level OCD tendencies played a role in keeping it away for so long. I was constantly reminding everyone around me: “Don’t touch that doorknob without a tissue,” “Go wash your hands,” “Put your mask on,” “Clean your phone.” The list truly went on + on.
That said, I suppose it was only a matter of time before it eventually caught up with us.
I'm so grateful that my parents were able to recover without needing hospitalization like so many others unfortunately experienced. Early in the pandemic, a close friend of mine lost her father to Covid. Hearing that news sent me into a deep spiral of depression during the global quarantine.
From that moment on, I knew I would do whatever I could to help protect my parents.
If wearing a mask helped — I wore it.
If getting vaccinated helped — I did it.
It didn't matter if I believed or didn't believe in masks or vaccines. They gave me life. It was my turn to do whatever I thought was necessary at the time. I would do anything for them.
My dad is semi-retired now, but the transition hasn’t been easy for him. He loved his job, the social interaction + organizing events with his coworkers. A few months ago, he decided to take a part-time position at the front desk of our local YMCA. Most likely, that’s where he picked up Covid.
My mom + I were fine for a few days after he got sick. Then I started to feel slightly off, just a little tickle in my throat. I kept telling myself it was probably allergies or nothing at all.
It genuinely didn’t feel like much.
But a few days later… it was clear.Yep, it was Covid.
By the time I got sick, my dad was already starting to feel better. Then, a few days after me, my mom caught it as well.
Below, I’ve put together a list of items that helped us manage the discomfort that comes with Covid. If you’re someone who is high-risk, any upper respiratory virus can be challenging. It’s always better to be prepared than caught off guard, so feel free to bookmark this post for future reference.
A Few Powerful Tools To Prepare For COVID
Water - I suggest keeping a bottle near your nightstand so it's there for easy access + so you don't forget to keep drinking. If you can, keep track to make sure you are drinking enough. It was great to have it nearby because I honestly would wake up from my slumber + not remember if I drank anything, what day it was or what time it was! I like to keep these water bottle on hand.
Warm Bath or Shower - If you can muster up the energy, it's good to freshen up + upon waking, get the sick sweat off. I was getting a lot of hot + cold flashes so it felt so good to do this for my mind + for self care. Whenever I take a warm bath or shower, I feel slightly less depressed when I come out. I feel slightly more invigorated + less tense. Oh, I also like to hang a eucalyptus bundle in my shower + sprinkle some epsom salt in my bath. If you can, start using a sauna regularly to induce heat shock proteins.
Movies, TV Series, Documentaries, Podcasts - Because I'm a nerd + proud of it, I actually keep an ongoing list of all these so I can remember to catch up on any given one of them so I'm not just aimlessly searching for something to listen to or watch. When migraines were kicking my ass, it helped to have podcasts on hands so I could close my eyes + just listen + get my mind off of my ailments for the time being. I highly suggest the streaming platform, Masterclass which you can check out HERE
Sleep + Rest - Don't mess up your sleep! Messed up sleep leads to messed up immune responses. I would know...It actually took me longer to recover from Covid than my parents. I attribute that to my horrible sleep + OCD where I have been pushing myself with projects + living on west coast time while I'm east coast living! I implore you to use this time wisely + GET YOUR REST! Occasionally, I will sometimes take Ora Organic's "You're A Knockout" natural sleep aid supplement. You can order yours HERE but as always, check with your doctor first before taking mine or anyone's advice.
Things I Have On Hand
To Help Me Through Any ILLNESS
Chicken Broth, Bone Broth (or) Mineral Vegan Broth - I would suggest to just constantly sip on some when you get hungry. It's so soothing for your throat between all the coughing + dryness. You can add veggies, orzo or noodles of choice to the broth or have it by itself. I always like to have broths on hand from OWL Venice, which you can check out HERE.
Vitamins + Supplements - Bone up on nutrients like zinc, vitamin C + vitamin D to protect your collagen. I take Ora Organic's "Well Wishes" immune support supplement which has elderberry, echinacea, vitamin C + more. For collagen, I like to use plant based collagen by Ora Organic called "Aloe Gorgeous".
Throat Salve - I took Boiron Chestal Cold + Cough Syrup + I also like to have Beekeeper's Naturals Propolis Throat Spray on hand to spray on my dry, sore throat throughout the day. I love their cough drops as well.
Lung Exerciser: You can use it to keep your lungs working + it’s great as you recover to move the lungs + get the muck out. It helps you cough it up + move it out!
Oxygen Cans - These are helpful when you need extra O2. Not everyone has actual medical grade oxygen tanks at home for when energy or Pulse Ox gets too low. When one is low on oxygen it sets panic in, logic goes out the door + getting a little O2 can do wonders.
Pulse Oximeter - This is a MUST have. You need to monitor it during any/all illness. Some health insurance programs offer these in their discount program so I suggest looking into it to see if your insurance does too.
Eucalyptus Rub - This one is tried + true! It really helps to have someone else massage it vigorously into your back + apply to the chest as well. Then use the lung exerciser or nebulizer + move those lungs! This is more a stimulant of olfaction + blood flow more than anything.
Foam Roller - This was key for me to use daily to keep my thoracic spine moving. Your thoracic spine innervates your lungs + digestion + I wanted to keep things moving + stimulated to work optimally.
Saline Nasal Wash - A tried + true helper that keeps the nasal mucosa happy. This one is squishy so it can really get stuff to move. You can use the included saline packets in distilled water + add a xylitol packet to bust up any biofilms present. It’s helpful regardless of what kind of inflamed sinus issues I’m having.
Nebulizer - A wonderful + simple tool to help your lungs when they get hit. You may prefer the soothing help of simple saline packets.
A Sensible GROCERY LIST
A couple varieties of nut butter and tahini
Onions (they keep for weeks when stored in a cool, dark place)
Veggies: broccoli, celery, carrots, and kale (add to soups and pastas)
Bananas (when they start to turn, freeze for smoothies or bake into banana bread)
Ora Organic "So Lean & So Clean" (plant based daily protein powder for smoothies)
Sliced bread (pop it in your freezer, will last a long time)
Taste boosters: Coconut Aminos (instead of soy sauce), Mayo, Ketchup, Fruit Jam, Dijon Mustard, Parmesan Cheese, Olives, Capers.
Re-hydrating Packets (BT Fountain by Pique) (just add water)
HYGIENE Essentials
Healthy Meal DELIVERY
Some of us take our health for granted + it's not only until our bodies are crying out to us when we sometimes take it more seriously. The biggest risk factors with getting Covid are lack of physical exercise + frailty. I know when I got sick, I was thinking about all the nature walks + sunshine I was going to enjoy when I felt better again. I wish you + your family good health + I hope this list of suggestions benefit you.
Medical Disclaimer:
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Very thorough advice. I'm printing it out so I have it on hand and also the websites to order products I may want to get. Thank you Nicole for always putting valuable info in your blog . Very helpful for so many including little old me
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