There is no way that you did not hear about how people flocked to the supermarkets and bought a bunch of stuff when the quarantine period started. How could you have missed such big news?! The panic buying is understandable, but it actually caused people to waste money and rob others of important resources. There are a lot of articles that talk about what you need, but we are going to tell you what you don’t. You are going to be surprised to hear that government officials do not recommend plenty of supplies that people are stockpiling!
You Do Not Need This Much Toilet Paper
We do not understand why people started stockpiling toilet paper since it does not prevent the virus at all. Steven Taylor, who wrote “The Psychology of Pandemics” claimed that people do extreme things when they are panicking. The officials did not issue clear directions, so people ended up buying what others were getting. When you get the virus, you are going to be in quarantine for about two weeks. Trust us, you won’t be able to go through seven packs of toilet paper then. “People become anxious ahead of the actual infection,” explained Taylor, “They haven’t thought about the bigger picture, like what are the consequences of stockpiling toilet paper.”
You Do Not Need This Much Toilet Paper
Do Not Buy Food That You Do Not Eat
Regina Phelps is a crisis management expert and pandemic planner. She said that she has seen a lot of people buy food that they do not need. When people shop for disaster supplies, they tend to buy frozen meals and canned beef stew “just in case,” she said. These things are nothing more than a potential waste of hard-earned money. It is a better idea to stock up on food items that you like and eat often. The Department of Homeland Security advises to have food supplies for two weeks, so you should plan a meal schedule. This sort of forward-thinking is going to help you save more money.
Do Not Buy Food That You Do Not Eat
Do Not Hoard N95 Medical Masks
At the moment, most places are running low on N95 surgical masks even though the CDC does not recommend them for public use. The masks are needed by medical front liners who work in close contact with people suffering from COVID-19. The CDC recently started to recommend the general public to opt for cloth masks instead. The masks are good enough to slow the spread of the virus by restricting the contraction from one person to another.
Do Not Hoard N95 Medical Masks
Do Not Buy Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizers
It is true that hand sanitizer might help, but you should know which ones to get. The alcohol-free ones are typically more expensive but don’t help prevent COVID-19. If you want to ward off the virus, you should pick hand sanitizers that have an alcohol content of anywhere from 60% to 90%. You might think that using hand sanitizers are more effective, hand washing is actually better. “Viruses are most effectively killed and removed from hands with soap and water,” explained Neha Nanda, who is an infection prevention medical director. Hand sanitizers are still handy when you are on the go, however.
Do Not Buy Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizers
Tylenol Is Not Better Than Ibuprofen
Oliver Véran, the French minister of health, told people suffering from COVID-19 to use Tylenol in lieu of Ibuprofen. One study has revealed that Ibuprofen will exacerbate coronavirus, although there are other doctors and researchers who contested this. UCLA professor of medicine Dr. Jeffrey Klauser said that “we know very little” about the coronavirus and ibuprofen. There is insufficient evidence to link ibuprofen, kidney problems, and COVID-19 despite what the original study suggested. With all the cases, it is hard to tell whether ibuprofen alone led to the kidney complications. Doctors do not have a problem with ibuprofen until the matter is investigated further by the World Health Organization.
Tylenol Is Not Better Than Ibuprofen
Do Not Restrict Yourself To Non-Perishable Food
When you go on a two-week grocery haul, you should not feel pressured to purchase non-perishable food. The World Health Organization went as far as to say that you should get fresh produce instead. A Nutrients study said that we need nutrients to keep our immune systems strong, and fresh food is the best way to get them. TODAY recommended buying perishable foods that won’t spoil right away. The list includes cheese, onions, apples, garlic, oranges, potatoes, eggs, bread, and bananas!
Do Not Restrict Yourself To Non-Perishable Food
Gloves Are Not Going To Help You
Just like face masks, professionals should have access to gloves since they won’t help most of us. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the John Hopkins Center for Health Security, said that latex gloves should not be used in daily life. They tend to rip even when physicians wear them. On top of that, gloves pick up germs as well as our hands do. Family doctor William Sawyer said that you do not need to “protect” your hands if you wash them frequently. Practice regular handwashing instead of hoarding gloves!
Gloves Are Not Going To Help You
Supplements And Vitamins Will Not Ward It Off
A lot of people buy supplements and vitamins to “boost” the immune systems. In particular, they get vitamins C and D, although these are not going to do you any good. A Harvard microbiologist by the name of Michael Starnbach said, “There’s no evidence that they help in fighting disease.” The FDA has not recommended dietary supplements for the immune health since a lot of them are unregulated. On top of that, anything that can activate the immune system might do more harm. According to Starnbach, an “over-boosted” immune system might lead to an auto-immune disorder.
Supplements And Vitamins Will Not Ward It Off
You Do Not Need Those DIY Hand Sanitizer Supplies
Hand sanitizer sales went up by 313% by the end of February. A lot of people started making DIY ones, and professionals do not approve. If you plan to make one of those, the World Health Organization said that you need alcohol that has an ethanol content of 96% and up. This is a lot higher than what most whiskeys and vodkas offer. On top of that, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said that it is important to mix the ingredients correctly since you might damage your health and skin.
You Do Not Need Those DIY Hand Sanitizer Supplies
Do Not Overstock On Expensive Cleaning Supplies
You do not have to stockpile expensive cleaning supplies. Infectious diseases expert John Swartzberg said that if you want to keep your house clean, you can simply use normal household items. He said, “[COVID-19] is easily destroyed by most disinfectants.” You are not going to see any difference even if you use expensive and high-quality items. It is better to focus on using the supplies properly. Consumer Reports associate health editor Catherine Roberts advised to focus on high-touch areas such as stair rails, sink handles, and doorknobs. These places have higher chances of carrying infectious diseases.
Do Not Overstock On Expensive Cleaning Supplies
Antibiotics Do Not Help With Viruses
In March alone, Time said that antibiotic sales went up by 65%. However, the World Health Organization wants us all to know that antibiotics are not going to kill the coronavirus because it attacks bacteria and not viruses. Doctors are only prescribing them to COVID-10 patients who contracted a secondary bacterial infection because the virus weakened their bodies. The Seattle’s Children Hospital has also informed everyone that antibiotics are otherwise useless and might even cause unwanted side effects. Do not buy them unless your doctor says so.
Antibiotics Do Not Help With Viruses
Air Filters Are Not Going To Do Anything
Air filters will not do anything about the spread of COVID-19. An assistant professor of microbiology by the name of Erin Sorrell said that air filters are unable to kill the virus because the particles are far too small. They will just pass through store-bought air filters. There are air filters that claim that the UVC can get the virus, but Dr. Sorrell said that this is not true. Besides, it would take 15 minutes to contain the microbes. By that time, you would already contract the virus. Just save your money instead!
Air Filters Are Not Going To Do Anything
Do Not Buy Groceries Out Of Panic
Regardless of how fearful you now feel, you should avoid going to the grocery store often. “The best practice that I would recommend is to try to avoid going into the store where possible,” explained Aaron E. Glatt, who serves as an Infectious Diseases Society spokesman. By consistently getting supplies, you are only putting yourself at risk and wasting money. You should only drop by the grocery store when you are low on daily items. Lindsey Gottlieb, the Mount Sinai Morningside director of infection prevention, recommended going to the store during the slow hours and stock up for two weeks at a time.
Do Not Buy Groceries Out Of Panic
Water Purifiers Cannot Filter Out The Coronavirus
You are better off ignoring those water purifiers that claim to be capable of “filtering out” the coronavirus. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said that there is no scientific basis that COVID-19 can live on in tap water. There is no need to buy a fancy new water purifier. According to the CDC, most water systems are good enough to get rid of any potential COVID-19 traces. Feel free to go and buy a new water purifier if you want your water to taste better, but you do not have to stock up.
Do Not Buy Groceries Out Of Panic
Do Not Use Up Your Entire Emergency Fund
Even though the pandemic is an emergency, this is a long-term one that might go on for months. You should avoid using up your emergency funds on Tylenol and toilet paper, especially if you are at risk of getting sacked. David Carlson, a certified financial planner, says that it is a good idea to have an emergency fund that can cover living expenses for six months. If you do not have an emergency savings account, this might be the time to open one. He said that even $500 can go a long way.
Do Not Use Up Your Entire Emergency Fund
Do Not Be Tempted By Cheap Plane Tickets
Both the CDC and the European Union are advising against any nonessential travel, both domestic and international. There are only several flights right now, so airlines have offered them at discounted prices. Feel free to go on a holiday if you want to put yourself at risk. You will not only be exposed to the virus, but you might not even be able to go home with all the flight cancellations. CNN said that a lot of travel companies are allowing for more flexibility in terms of reservations. If you booked your flights in advance, you should be able to refund or rebook them.
Do Not Be Tempted By Cheap Plane Tickets
Hold Off On Booking Venues In The Near Future
Events had to be rescheduled, and many folks are trying to book them as soon as the quarantine comes to a close. However, it might not be a wise idea. Venues had no choice but to reschedule the events lined up from March to April. People who booked those slots get priority, so you will probably have a hard time getting a date even in September. Sasha Souza, a wedding planner, said, “We’re trying to guess what is to come.” With everything up in the air, all weekend dates in autumn have been booked in certain places. Try to hold off on planning your events since they will probably just get delayed.
Hold Off On Booking Venues In The Near Future
You Need More Than ‘Immune-Boosting’ Food
Even though health media has been advertising “immune-boosting” food, this will not be enough to keep you safe from COVID-19. Charles Bangham, an immunology professor, said that the immune system is composed of different organs and systems. It is going to take more than certain food to ward off an illness. According to Harvard Health Publishing, you only really need an exercise routine, enough sleep, and a healthy diet to keep the immune system in good shape. It is still a good idea to splurge on nutritious food, but you should not limit yourself to the advertised products and items.
You Need More Than ‘Immune-Boosting’ Food
Essential Oils Are Not Going To Help You
We are honestly a little disappointed that we have to clarify this. It is a scam if someone says that essential oils can do anything against the coronavirus. The Federal Trade Commission and the FDA even filed joint letters against some essential oil companies. The FDA said, “There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure [COVID-19].” The oils are also pretty expensive, and you can use that money on other things. Trust us, the government will endorse the vaccine or treatment when it is finally produced.
Essential Oils Are Not Going To Help You
Do Not Sell Your Stocks Right Now
As of early March, the stock market dropped by more than 20% of what it had been in February. No doubt, stocks are going to go down during the quarantine. You might even want to put yours on the market in fear. Even though you might feel better by getting rid of stocks, Edelman Financial Engines’ Ric Edelman said that this is a bad move. He told CNBC, “It will lock in their losses and cause them to incur taxes, as they likely still have profits on their taxable accounts.” People tend to buy low and sell high, so you are doing the exact opposite if you sell retirement holds and stocks in the middle of this craziness!
Do Not Sell Your Stocks Right Now
You Should Stock Up On Water
We might as well talk about the things that you should stock up on. Even though it is not likely that the water supply of the US will be affected, it is still a good idea to keep your own supply. The Department of Homeland Security advised to always have a two-week supply. According to Dr. Manisha Juthami of the Yale School of Medicine, “We are fortunate to live in a country where most of the tap water is drinkable.” Sadly, those in rural areas have limited supplies and should definitely stock up on water.
You Should Stock Up On Water
Obtain Digital Copies Of Your Medical Records
In case you find yourself in an emergency that requires everyone to stay indoors for a while, you should at least have electric copies of your medical records. This is a good idea on the off case that your health gets compromised. If you need medical care, you can show these to a doctor so that they will know how to help you. A lot of documents have vital information that they can use if you were somehow incapacitated or unable to respond to medical professionals.
Obtain Digital Copies Of Your Medical Records
Your Mental Health Is Very Important
The vast majority of people are not thrilled about being cooped up for a long period of time. It is not easy to isolate for that long, so you should always consider the state of your mental health. Even though you might be tempted to indulge in TV binge-watching, you might want to try other things as well. It is a good idea to read a book or play board games from time to time. Kids especially need to be kept busy.
Your Mental Health Is Very Important
Do Not Forget About Your Personal Medical Supplies
When you are not advised to leave the house, you might have a hard time looking for medical items that you did not consider before. These probably include items like contact solutions, contacts, and hearing-aid batteries. It is not going to hurt to stock up over-the-counter medicine like stomach relievers, pain relievers, and fluids with electrolytes. However, you should avoid buying face masks and gloves! As we have already said, those are things that are desperately needed by people on the front line.
Do Not Forget About Your Personal Medical Supplies
Prepare A First-Aid Kit
It is always a good idea to have a first-aid kit around. After all, you do not need to bring your kid to the hospital for a small injury. If you have a simple but well-maintained kit, you should be able to provide a solution to many health issues that range from burns to allergies to cuts. You can either get one from the store or create your own to suit whatever essentials you think your family might need.
Prepare A First-Aid Kit
Get A 30-Day Supply Of Your Prescription Meds
Marguerite Neill, a Brown University infectious disease expert, said that people need to have at least a month’s supply of prescription medications almost all the time. On top of that, the Department of Homeland Security said that people should always keep an eye on the amount of prescription medicine that they have at home. Even though prescription medicine typically comes with quantity limits, you can talk to your doctor about getting an exception in this strange period of time.
Get A 30-Day Supply Of Your Prescription Meds
Stock Up On Household Hygienic Products
Most families only get one or two more units of things like detergent and dish soap. However, you will want to get more than that if you are getting ready to stay in the house for a long time. Aside from those items, do not forget to buy tissues, toilet paper, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. Even so, it is important to avoid hoarding these items since just about every person on the planet also needs them.
Stock Up On Household Hygienic Products
Do Not Forget About Your Dog
Even though there are plenty of things that we need when we go into quarantine, people tend to forget about the needs of their pets. The most important thing would be food, and we all know just how much dogs like to eat. It would be wise to stock up on these items as well. Aside from that, it would be nice to get them new toys and extra treats to keep them happy. Let us not neglect to give them the exercise that they need to keep them in shape. These times are tough on them as well.
Do Not Forget About Your Dog
Buy Even More Baby Products
If there are babies and young kids in your home, it is crucial to buy enough of the items that they will need. Among other things, you are probably going to need baby wipes, baby formula, and diapers. Even though a lot of people have already stocked up on these products before the crisis, it would not hurt to get even more now that the situation has changed. Do not forget to be considerate, however. Other people have babies of their own, you know.
Buy Even More Baby Products
Cat Litter Is Very Important As Well
In general, cats tend to be “hands-off” creatures that do not need a lot of attention. If you have a feline friend, you will not want to be out of cat litter. After all, you will have to deal with a mess if you ever run out of it. Trust us, you do not want your cat relieving itself wherever it pleases. It is not only disgusting, but this is also a good way to spread germs around the house. This is exactly what we are trying to stop!
Cat Litter Is Very Important As Well
A Thermometer Will Be Extremely Useful
You might be surprised just how big of a difference a thermometer can make. Normally, people feel their forehead to see if they are “warm.” This is not an accurate way to find out if you have a fever! The only way to do this is to use a thermometer, which is capable of giving you an accurate reading. If there is an illness going around, it is a good idea to check your temperature on the regular.
A Thermometer Will Be Extremely Useful
Laundry Detergent Is More Helpful Than You Might Think
Even though sanitation is very important when you are cooped up indoors, you can use other products to keep clean. Hand soap and hand sanitizer are the only things that you need. It is a good idea to have enough detergent as well. After all, it is imperative that you get rid off the germs on your clothes. When you are buying detergent, you should get the concentrated ones since they tend to last a long time.
Laundry Detergent Is More Helpful Than You Might Think
Bring Out The Board Games
We bet that your family has a closet full of board games unless you guys happen to play all the time. There is a good chance that your collection is getting dustier by the minute. The best time to use them is when it is no longer possible to head outside! We are sure that you will find something that everyone is willing to play. The best way for you to bond with the whole family is through friendly competition.
Bring Out The Board Games
Get The Kids Moving With A Dance Party
You do not need a lot of things if you want to throw a dance party. The only thing you need would be a phone and a portable speaker! This is a good idea if you want the kids to move their bodies. We are all cooped up indoors and in need of exercise, so this is an excellent idea. Play your kids’ favorite songs and let them groove to the music. Another great thing about it is that it will make time fly.
Get The Kids Moving With A Dance Party
A Jigsaw Puzzle Is Good For Family Bonding
A lot of people with kids, and even those that do not, have a jigsaw puzzle tucked away in some part of the house. These things are great because you can do them in your free time. You can just put it down on the surface for everyone to solve whenever they feel like it. Not only that, but the whole family will also get a shared sense of accomplishment once the entire thing has been solved! Give it a shot.
A Jigsaw Puzzle Is Good For Family Bonding
Let Them Do Makeovers
Most women probably have old nail polishes, makeup, and brushes on hand. We have a great time on how to pass the time! Get out all your beauty products and put them on a sheet before letting your children go at it. It does not matter if they are a girl or a boy because we guarantee that the little ones are going to have a blast using these things in any way that they want. Trust us, this is a good way to let their creativity shine through.
Let Them Do Makeovers
Make DIY Lasers
When we were children, we used to salivate about the idea of effortlessly crossing a maze of lasers. You can fulfill the spy film fantasy of your kids’ dreams! The only thing that you need is regular painter’s tape and hang it up in different ways between the walls of the hallway. You will have a lot of fun watching them attempt to pass without hitting the “lasers.” On top of that, it is fun to tear it down afterward.
Make DIY Lasers
Read Books Out Loud
Even though kids eventually grow out of this, it can be a lot of fun to read to your little ones when they are young. We cannot imagine a child not enjoying it if you pick a good book. This also does wonders for the development of their brains. If you have an older child who has started reading advanced books, you can give them the option to listen to a podcast or an audiobook. These things come in very handy!
Read Books Out Loud
Let Them Go Camping Inside
Plenty of kids like to camp, even if it is just in the backyard of their house. This is a nice way to let the kids enjoy a special treat that allows them to use their imagination. If you are ever stuck in the house, you can also bring the camping indoors! It is possible to do this by pitching a real tent inside the house or making a fort. Another thing that you can do is to make camping food to really make it feel real.
Let Them Go Camping Inside
Play Sardines In The Dark
This is a game that is the most fun when it is dark, but it is possible to play it whenever you want as well. We highly recommend getting the house as dark as you can by switching off the lights. One person gets to be the “hider” and goes into hiding wherever they please. The others get to look for them! If you ever find the hider, you get to join them in their hiding spot. You lose if you are the last one to do so.
Play Sardines In The Dark
Make Some Origami
Even though it might sound complicated to teach little kids origami, you might be surprised by what they can achieve. Parents, you only need construction paper in different colors for this little creative project. You can go online to look for different shapes and instructions. Once you finish folding little paper swans, frogs, or whatever you made, you can also use them to decorate the house. We do not know about you, but we cannot wait to try them out now.
Make Some Origami
Let The Kids Cook Individual Pizzas
Who would have thought that you can have a fun culinary experience with the kids? It is a great idea to make pizza with the kids if you have a lot of ingredients or plan to go to the grocery store soon. The only thing you need would be sauces, toppings, and dough. You can just let the kids go wild with the ingredients! Another upside would be the fact that they will not get to be picky about the food. Nice!
Let The Kids Cook Individual Pizzas
Fingerprint Art Is A Lot Of Fun
Fingerprint art is a very popular form of arts and crafts. It is pretty simple. The only thing that you need to do is to dip your fingers in paint and then use it to make an image! You can let the kids draw on a piece of paper any way that they want. On top of that, you can also get books dedicated to this craft. They come with instructions on how to make animal forms, and we bet that the kids will love that.
Fingerprint Art Is A Lot Of Fun
Screentime Is Not Always Bad
It might not be the best idea to use up all your time staring at a smart device or a television screen. However, you do not need to feel guilty about watching a movie every here and there. If you do choose to watch something, it is better if they are fulfilling and educational. Considering that it is impossible to avoid relying on screens to keep the kids busy, you better pick something that will help in the long run.
Screentime Is Not Always Bad
Build A Sensory Bin For Them
The only thing that you need to make a sensory bin would be a few toys, some rice, and a couple of other treasures. This is a good way to keep the little ones entertained! You only have to hide toys in the rice and let them look for the toys using their hands. You can also make it more fun by using toys that they have not seen before! However, you must be prepared to vacuum it all up when they are done.
Build A Sensory Bin For Them
Play Mad Libs And Other Word Games
Mad Libs have been here since the ‘50s, and it is a great way to entertain not only kids but adults as well! This is an excellent method to teach the kids grammar too. We are also especially fond of the story game, which is a creative word game in which one person jots down the first sentence in a story. The next player gets to add the second one, and so on. The final story normally makes zero sense, but it is still a lot of fun to hear the end result.
Play Mad Libs And Other Word Games
Make Clothes Of Your Own
You do not have to worry. This does not necessarily mean fashioning clothes using pieces of scrap cloth. Of course, you can also do that if you are so inclined. There are lots of things that you can do in order to jazz up your clothes. A cheap white shirt is the best canvas because the possibilities are limitless. It is possible to use spin-art, fabric markers, or tie-dye to make your own clothes. This makes for a very fun but functional art project!
Make Clothes Of Your Own
Conduct A Scavenger Hunt Indoors
If you are holding a scavenger hunt, you want to make it a lot of fun for the little ones. As a parent, the only thing that you need to do would be to pick items around the house and write them on a slip of paper. After this, you just have to set the kids loose around the house and wait to see who collects them all first. Do not forget to have a special prize waiting for the players who end up getting all the items.
Conduct A Scavenger Hunt Indoors
Teach Them How To Bake
Many children like the idea of baking. It is not only fun, but you also get a delicious treat when all is said and done. Baking is a good way to teach the kids cooking skills and teach them about measurements, techniques, and ingredients. On top of that, there are so many pastry recipes that you can choose from. After putting the tray in the oven, you can use the waiting time to do another activity as well.
Teach Them How To Bake
Have Them Put On A Show
If you want to see just how creative the kids are, you might want to ask them to stage a play for you. What would make it more interesting would be letting them go through your closets to look for costumes. Depending on your kids, they might prefer to actually sit down with you and draft a script that they can memorize and practice. Do not forget to enjoy the show when they are finally ready.
Have Them Put On A Show
Write A Letter To Loved Ones
There are several things that loved ones love more than getting sweet letters from little kids. Sadly, this is becoming less and less often in this day and age. If you guys are stuck indoors, you might want to take this chance to draft letters to relatives and family friends. Aside from writing the message, you should also let the kids decorate them as a means of expression. This is an especially good idea if you want the kids to practice writing.
Write A Letter To Loved Ones
A LEGO-Building Competition
Just about every single parent out there has a stash of LEGO blocks somewhere in the house. These things are excellent when you guys are stuck indoors for days on end. It is possible to follow instructions to build a specific thing, although it is possible to let your imagination run wild and make whatever you want. There are infinite opportunities waiting for you, and we guarantee that these toys are worth it. You just have to look out for them when you are walking barefoot because they can cause a lot of pain.
A LEGO-Building Competition