A sick day survival kit could include cold and flu remedies, drinks to help someone stay hydrated, comfy clothes, or specific medications, depending on the situation.

Many people take sick days when they have viral illnesses, such as colds or stomach bugs. Having essential supplies on hand can be useful for when these conditions develop, particularly if it is difficult to get to a store.

Below, we look at some of the items people may wish to have in preparation for common illnesses, including respiratory viruses, gastroenteritis, and more.

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In the United States, adults get two to three colds per year on average, while children can have them more often. Other respiratory viruses that can lead to sick days include:

Because these conditions are so common, it can help to have some supplies ready at home, such as:

Honey can also be soothing for a cough or sore throat, but people should not give it to infants under 12 months old. Always check the safety before giving children any cold or flu remedies.

What to avoid

The National Health Service (NHS) advises that people with COVID-19 avoid:

  • lying flat on their back if they have a cough, as this may worsen it
  • panicking if a person has shortness of breath, as this can make it worse
  • using fans to cool rooms, unless absolutely necessary, as this may spread the viruses that cause COVID-19

Sitting up, relaxing the shoulders, and leaning forward slightly may help a person breathe more easily.

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu or a stomach bug, can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea for several days.

The most common cause of gastroenteritis across all age groups is norovirus, of which there are 19 to 21 million cases every year in the United States.

Gastroenteritis may make it difficult to eat or drink much. This carries a risk of dehydration, so a sick day kit for this illness should include one of the following:

It may also help to have available:

  • bowls or bags for people to throw up in
  • comfortable clothes that are easy to wash on a high heat, in case they become soiled
  • plain, easy-to-digest foods, such as crackers, for when individuals regain an appetite

What to avoid

The NHS advises against drinking fruit juice or sugary drinks during norovirus infections, as these may worsen diarrhea.

Adults can use OTC anti-diarrhea medications to stop diarrhea if they need to, but people should not give these to children under 12.

Since norovirus can spread up to a few days after symptoms improve, those with potential norovirus need to rest at home for 2 days after the symptoms stop.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 was no longer a global health emergency in 2023. However, it can still be a very serious or even life threatening condition, especially for vulnerable people and those who are unvaccinated.

Flu, RSV, and gastroenteritis can also be serious illnesses in some people. Norovirus, in particular, is highly contagious.

If a person may have one of these conditions, it is important that they take steps to reduce the risk of transmission. Useful items for this include:

  • antibacterial hand soap
  • at-home flu or COVID-19 tests
  • well-fitting face masks, for respiratory viruses
  • cleaning supplies, such as disposable gloves, bleach solution, or disinfectant wipes
  • alcohol hand sanitizer

It is important to note that hand sanitizer does not effectively kill norovirus. People need to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water wherever possible and use hand sanitizer when running water is unavailable.

For most people, respiratory viruses and gastroenteritis get better on their own without medical treatment.

However, those at risk of serious illness from viruses need to contact a doctor as soon as they have symptoms. People who do not recover in the usual timeframe for their condition, or who develop new or unusual symptoms, also need to contact a doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention if a person develops:

  • difficulty breathing or speaking
  • coughing up blood
  • sudden chest pain
  • symptoms of severe dehydration, such as a dry mouth, lack of urination, or dizziness
  • symptoms that suddenly or rapidly get worse
  • yellow-green or green vomit
  • vomit with blood in it, which may resemble coffee grounds
  • a sudden and severe stomach ache
  • a sudden or severe headache
  • difficulty looking at bright lights
  • a stiff neck
  • nausea and vomiting
  • a rash that does not disappear underneath a glass
  • blue, gray, blotchy, or pale skin, such as around the lips or on the soles of the feet
  • seizures
  • confusion
  • loss of consciousness or difficulty staying awake

A sick day survival kit may contain different items depending on the illness. That said, comfy clothes, over-the-counter medications, easy-to-prepare food, and soothing drinks can be helpful for many conditions.

Supplies that help to keep the home clean and prevent the transmission of viruses can also be helpful to have ready to use. These could include rubber gloves, disinfectant spray or wipes, soaps, and masks.