When was the last time you updated your medicine cabinet stash of decongestants, fever-reducers, and bandages? Do you have a home first aid kit or bug-out bag stocked and ready to go in case of emergency? Do you know the difference between ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen—and in what circumstances to take each of them?
Ideally, you should answer “yes” to all of these questions, but if not, we’re here to help. This list of must-haves clarifies exactly what you should have on hand in case of minor illness and injuries. (The key word here is “minor.” For severe symptoms, bypass the medicine cabinet and go directly to your doctor when possible.) Apart from your prescriptions, what you want are the tools to treat less severe cuts and burns, headaches, fevers, coughs, itching, allergies, or a runny nose.
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Not only should you stock up on enough to patch up paper cuts and prevent the onset of a pesky cold, but you should also be prepared with enough over-the-counter meds to last you through whatever the ailment is, in case you or a loved one is stuck at home for several days (or possibly even weeks).
Time to toss those expired bottles of cough syrup, eye drops, and hydrocortisone—here’s what to stockpile in your medicine cabinet for everyday convenience, as well as potential emergencies.
