Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
A Day in the Life of the Immunocompromised
19
items I love how my life dictates what I write about. I’m on my 3rd infection this year. That will teach me to leave my bubble. Like how dare I try to resume life?
Sections
6
Home Triage
Home Testing
Stomach Discomfort
Hydration
Wet or Dry Cough
Best Defense
Home Triage
As a sepsis survivor, do you panic when you catch the flu, get a hangnail or touch dirty water? I sure do! So much so, I have my very own Triage at home. My PTSD brain remembers being sick & any sniffle or ache puts me on red alert.
So to not be...
Normal temperature is 37.0, but remember sepsis can be present with or without fever. Trust your gut!
Infrared Thermometer for All Ages, White
1
It's good to know your oxygen saturation during respiratory season. Anything below 93% is cause for concern.
Hospital Grade Bluetooth Finger Pulse Oximeter
Again blood pressure can be high or low when determining if you have sepsis. The normal adult range for blood pressure is 120/70 & the normal pulse is 60-80 beats/minute.
OMRON Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor
Home Testing
In a perfect world, the COVID-19, RSV, & Flu test would be my pick, but it’s too rich for my blood.
COVID-19 + Flu + RSV Test Home Collection Kit | Labcorp OnDemand
I can settle for the single COVID-19 Tests. These are available at most pharmacies for free, but if you’re in a pinch, you can order one here.
Artron COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit (5 Pack)
Stomach Discomfort
Diarrhea is nature’s way of getting rid of pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract, so let the body do its thing. If it’s too much and your doctor agrees, try some Imodium.
Imodium Liqui-Gels Antidiarrheal 60 Capsules
Although it's very effective, I stay away from Pepto Bismol because its active ingredient makes your stool black. We don’t need another symptom to alarm us.
Pepto Bismol Extra Strength Liquid, 12oz
Hydration
If you have Diarrhea you are losing electrolytes. Replenish your body with MIO.
mio Sport Arctic Grape Water Enhancer 12 ct
I love Gatorade too, but I drink so much of it that it’s more environmentally friendly to recycle the tiny MIO bottles.
Gatorade Gatorlyte Strawberry Kiwi 12 Pack
Or if you prefer something more natural drink coconut water. Fun fact: coconut water was used in the South Pacific as an IV solution during WW2.
Rubicon Organic Coconut Water 12x330ML
Wet or Dry Cough
Again it’s best to let your body get rid of mucus through coughing. However, if you need relief, try these.
When your throat is raw from coughing, this is instant relief.
Chloraseptic Wild Berries Lozenges & Cherry Spray
I love me some Benylin!
BENYLIN Extra Strength Cold Syrup 250mL
I prefer sugar-free to avoid excess calories.
HALLS No Sugar Added Mint Cough Drops, 25ct
An oldy but a goody! My Husband & I both have bronchitis & we find this so soothing!
Vicks VapoRub Advanced Plus, 80g Chest Rub
Works like a neti pot to clear nasal passages.
HydraSense Eucalyptus Nasal Spray 100 mL
A hot, steamy shower with a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil will also help decongest. This is especially helpful to those who are pregnant, infants & anyone else not wanting to take medications.
Nature's Truth 100% Pure Eucalyptus Oil, 15ml
Best Defense
After all is said and done, the best defense for respiratory season is:
Be up to date on your vaccinations and wear a mask!!!
Washing your hands with soap and water, when possible, is paramount to staying healthy as hand sanitizers DO NOT eliminate ...
Protect yourself from aerosol viral particles in the air. Viruses spread in the atmosphere like cigarette smoke.
Vitacore CAN95e Disposable Earloop Mask
Did you know you need soap & water to kill norovirus & c-diff?
Softsoap Antibacterial Hand Soap Refill 1.47L
Hand Sanitizer is good in a pinch, but remember it is not strong enough to kill norovirus & c-diff.
X3 Clean Germ Attack Foaming Hand Sanitizer