It’s not just a normal Arizona summer this year, where our primary concerns are sunburns and scorpions. The unfortunate reality is that if it hasn’t happened already, some of us may be getting a call from someone we know that has tested positive for Covid-19. If that happens to you, it is relatively easy to quickly assemble a “Covid Care Basket” to deliver to your friends or loved ones.
Here are some helpful items to pack up, and all of them can be found at your local grocery or drug store:
Electrolyte-enhanced beverages
There are numerous options to choose from, depending upon the age and tastes of the person who is sick. Look for drinks like coconut water, watermelon juice, Vitamin water, Pedialyte, Body Armor, Propel, and Gatorade.
Acetaminophen
For reducing fever and for aches and pain.
Vitamin D supplements
According to Harvard Medical School, “There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin D might help protect against becoming infected with, and developing serious symptoms of, COVID-19. Vitamin D may help prevent an exaggerated inflammatory response, which has been shown to contribute to severe illness in some people with COVID-19.”
Gift cards
A few helpful options are gift cards for grocery stores, nearby restaurants, and food delivery services like Door Dash.
Comfort measures for cough and sore throat
Regular and herbal teas, honey, throat lozenges and cough drops are all useful for the person who is sick.
Tissues with lotion
Lotion-infused tissues can help prevent redness and cracking, especially for those with sensitive skin.
A pulse oximeter
Found in drug stores, Walmart, or on Amazon, a pulse oximeter is an electronic device that clips onto a patient’s finger to measure heart rate and oxygen saturation in his or her red blood cells. They are simple to use and can be helpful for people who are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 to keep an eye on oxygen levels from home.
Easy to prepare foods
Soups, bone broth, pre-made salads and pre-cut fruits are great ideas.
Hot water bottle or heating pad
Applying heat to sore muscles always feels good when someone is achy or is experiencing the chills from a fever.
Disposal kitchen and health items
It’s useful to have certain products on hand when keeping someone isolated at home, such as disposable plates, cups, and silverware; also extra masks and latex gloves, and disinfecting wipes – if you can find them!
Magazines and books
For when a patient tires of TV, Netflix and social media, it’s nice to have magazines, puzzle books and coloring books, which are easy to find for every age and taste.
A note of encouragement
Anyone who is feeling ill appreciates words of reassurance and support.
What would you add to your Covid Care Basket? We’ll all get through this challenging time together, if we take the time and effort to reach out and care for those in need.