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Health emergencies have a tendency to sneak up on you when you least expect them. It could be a fever that hits you in the middle of the night, an accident in the kitchen that leads to an injury, or a sudden allergy attack. Whatever emergency it is may be unexpected but the last thing you want to be is unprepared.

By keeping your home stocked with essential pharmacy supplies, you’re guaranteeing that should anything happen to you or your family, you’ll be able to treat the problem as soon as possible until you can get professional care if it is required. This list is an excellent foundation for a well-prepared home.

First Aid Supplies

If you don’t have a first-aid kit in your home already, you should definitely consider investing in one. It will come in handy whenever someone in your home is injured and will help you prevent excessive blood loss, infection, or secondary injuries. At its most basic, a first-aid kit should contain bandages, antiseptic wipes and hydrogen peroxide, a thermometer, and a pair of scissors.

Painkillers

Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin are useful for treating a wide range of conditions such as headaches, fevers, minor bumps and bruises, and menstrual cramps. In fact, aspirin can also be helpful as an emergency first line of defense during a heart attack. However, be sure not to give it to anyone with aspirin sensitivity or children under 18.

Antihistamines

While not all allergies are life-threatening, they can threaten your quality of life, making it difficult to pay attention at school or work, and sometimes causing sleep disturbances. Keeping antihistamines in your home can help allergy sufferers get instant relief from allergy symptoms and go on with their day. You can even opt for non-drowsy variants if alertness is important.

 

Antacid

Around 15 million Americans suffer from heartburn every day. It can be triggered by certain foods, alcohol consumption, and underlying health conditions such as GERD. Antacids can quickly neutralize any excess acid in your esophagus or stomach, which provides instant relief from uncomfortable symptoms.

Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone cream is a topical medication commonly used to relieve itching, inflammation, and discomfort associated with various skin conditions, including rashes, eczema, and insect bites. It can be a lifesaver during hot months when kids are more likely to be playing outside, but it should not be relied on as a long-term solution without the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Personal Protection Equipment

In the unfortunate event that someone in your home gets a contagious illness, it’s essential to protect the rest of your family. Keeping a box of face masks, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer isn’t only COVID-safe but a great precaution for flu and any other conditions that spread through aerosols, touch, or shared surfaces.

Medical Tools

You can take your first-aid kit to an advanced level by adding a few common medical tools that can be used for a variety of conditions. This can include blood pressure pumps, glucometers, and pulse oximeters. Be sure to read the instructions carefully so that you don’t get inaccurate readings that could influence you to misdiagnose yourself.

 

Supplies For Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and severe allergies require you to always have supplies for treatment nearby to avoid fatalities. If someone in your family or close circle suffers from a chronic condition, it’s a good idea to keep inhalers, insulin, and epinephrine injectors in your home. All of these supplies carry expiration dates, so be sure to check them and restock when they expire.

Hydration Supplements

Whether it’s caused by excessive heat or the common cold, dehydration is serious and should be remedied with haste. In addition to drinking plenty of water, taking hydration supplements can help replenish the body’s electrolytes which halts the dehydration process and allows your body to retain all the water it needs to function at its best.

Flu Medication

Having flu medication readily available allows for prompt treatment and alleviation of symptoms, potentially reducing the severity and duration of the illness. Make sure to check the expiration dates on these medications regularly and consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance on their usage to ensure you’re well-prepared for flu season.

If you want to stay prepared for every kind of health emergency, Cantu’s Pharmacy is here to serve you. We stock all the essential pharmacy supplies that families need, from first-aid kit supplies to OTC and prescription medications. Shop online for your home essentials or pay us a visit if you have any questions.