5 Products To Have On Hand If You Have COVID-19

Per the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease that affects the respiratory system and is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2.  According to Worldometer, as of November 11, 2022, the coronavirus has taken the lives of 1,099,856 people in the U.S. Although this year, the daily average of cases in the country dropped from 800,000-plus (January) to less than 50,000 (November), we're far from the end of the COVID-19 pandemic (via the New York Times).

Most people experience mild symptoms. However, those with previous chronic illnesses, such as heart conditions or diabetes, and elderly people may need unique treatments to control the viral infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the common symptoms of COVID include fever, muscle pain, headaches, nausea, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, and sore throat, among many others. The CDC further states that everyone experiences COVID differently; those with lung diseases may have more severe signs of COVID than others. 

Luckily, there are certain things you can do or carry with you if you ever experience symptoms of this infection. They can help you deal with the symptoms until you get medical assistance as well as help you avoid spreading the virus to others.

Since persistent fever is among the most prominent signs of COVID, monitoring your temperature would be a priority. That's why you definitely need a high-accuracy thermometer in your COVID emergency kit. 

There's no better option for adults and kids than the digital no-touch thermometer by iHealth on Amazon. Because of its remarkably convenient design, this thermometer has been rated 4.5 out of five stars based on over 152,800 reviews on Amazon. The incredible infrared technology has ultra-sensitive tri-point sensors that collect data from more than 100 points and gives super-accurate results within one second when placed just 1.8 inches from the forehead. It also has an extra-large LED display that makes the temperature easy to read for everyone, even in the dark. The thermometer is priced at $71.26.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), washing your hands for at least 20 seconds is the best way to eliminate the infectious viruses on your hands and stop the spread of the disease. However, if you cannot wash your hands, such as outdoors, you may use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

Purell gel hand sanitizer is among the best cleaning agents on Amazon that prioritizes your well-being. Because of its superb efficiency and promise to kill 99.99% of germs, the product is rated 4.6 out of five stars based on 2,200+ Amazon consumer ratings. The mild formula of Purell has four moisturizing agents and doesn't carry harmful compounds like parabens or preservatives that might irritate the skin. Purell hand sanitizers are free of artificial fragrances as well. Grab your pack of six travel-size Purell for as low as $9.04 on Amazon.

To manage your COVID-19 symptoms at home and ensure a speedy recovery, it's critical to get sufficient nutrients and always stay hydrated. According to Providence, even if you don't feel thirsty, you should drink ample water to replenish lost fluids and boost your immune system. 

If you're searching for a multipurpose flask that keeps the liquids at the desired temperature for hours, the 18-oz Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle is the best choice. Rated 4.8 out of five stars based on a whopping 25,000-plus customer reviews on Amazon, the high-insulation stainless steel can maintain the temperature of the liquid for up to 24 hours. The product is quite durable and long-lasting. There's no risk of chemicals or toxic flavors in your fluids due to the pure materials. It is available in several colors for a discounted price of $26.09 (originally $29.95).

A pulse oximeter is a small device used to check the oxygen content in the blood (via Johns Hopkins Medicine). The clip-shaped device is placed on the fingertip with a light on one side. Once it passes through the blood, the oxygen is measured and displayed on the screen. 

The HealthSmart Pulse Oximeter on Amazon is a superb find with a light design offering high accuracy on an easy-to-read large LED display. Rated 4.6 out of five stars based on over 500 consumer reviews, this device has a one-button control system and three modes: power off, sleep, and measure. It will easily fit every finger and give the perfect reading in a few secs. You can snag it for a discounted price of $16.48 before it goes back to $25.77.

Disposable face masks or respirators are one of the most important must-have items in your COVID kit. They offer protection against airborne respiratory viruses and prevent the dissipation of the COVID virus into your surroundings. 

The 3M N95 disposable respirators on Amazon have a remarkable 95% filtration system for solid and liquid aerosols. There's a soft inner layer, free of latex or rubber components. The mask adjusts perfectly on the nose and reduces the risk of glasses fogging. Based on over 1,600 consumer ratings, it has a satisfaction score of 4.2 out of five stars. Grab a pack of 50 white N95 respirators for a discounted rate of $41.15 (original $58.12).