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What a health expert keeps in their medicine cabinet for when sickness strikes

Person holding two tablets and a glass of water over a medicine box.

When flu season rolls around, having the essentials when sickness strikes can help you focus on getting better.

“A sick box can come in handy at any time,” says nib clinical expert, Jo Baja. “If your child gets a fever overnight and you can’t go to a pharmacy or grocery store, you’ll have your sick box stocked and ready to go.” 

Jo also explains that having medicine and supplies on-hand can be a more effective and efficient way of managing your symptoms. But what do you actually need in your sick box?  

We’ve teamed up with Jo to share some sick box essentials you can stock up on to keep yourself and your family happy and healthy.

What should you have in your medicine cabinet?

While every family is different and has unique health needs, Jo recommends having these essentials in your sick box: 

  • Paracetamol and ibuprofen: These medicines can help reduce pain (like a sore throat or sinus headache) and lower your fever. But remember to take the recommended dosage listed on the label. 

  • Antihistamines: When flu season ends, hay fever season begins. Antihistamines can help reduce symptoms, like a runny nose, so you can stop and smell the roses when they’re in full bloom. 

  • A thermometer: Having an accurate reading of your temperature can help you work out if you have a fever. There are many types of thermometers out there, meaning there’s one that’ll suit your budget. 

  • Tissues: Having a spare box of tissues can come in handy when you or a family member have gone through an entire box on their own.  

  • Face masks: Face masks can be a huge help if you or someone in your household gets sick. N95, KN95 and KF94 masks are recommended because they can protect you from airborne transmission, like when someone sneezes in front of you. 

  • Electrolyte tablets or powder: If you've lost water due to vomiting, diarrhoea or from a fever, mixing water with electrolyte tablets or powder could help prevent dehydration when you’re ill. 

How often should you check your sick box? 

When was the last time you checked the use-by date on the medicines in your sick box? If your answer is ‘I can’t remember’ or ‘many moons ago’, then now is the time to have a look. 

“It’s always a good idea to check if your medication is in date,” Jo explains. “If your medicine is out-of-date, then it won’t be as effective.” 

Jo recommends checking the use-by date on your medicines regularly, but especially when flu season is around the corner. 

“Knowing that you need to replace your medicine before flu season, or that they’ll be in-date during that period, can help you be better prepared for when you or your family need them.” 

Where should you store your sick box? 

“Some people keep their medication in the bathroom because it makes the most sense,” Jo explains. “But the heat and moisture can impact the effectiveness of the medicine.” 

That’s why a lot of medicines have instructions to store them in a cool, dry place. It’s also recommended to store your medicines out of direct sunlight and to keep them in their original packaging too so you know exactly what they are and when they expire. 

You might want to store your medicine-filled sick box in places like: 

  • A top kitchen cupboard 

  • A bedroom drawer 

  • A hallway cabinet

Just make sure your sick box is out of reach of little hands for safety and keep your sick-box medications somewhere they won’t get mixed up with other things like sweets or prescription medication. 

You might need to store some medicines in the fridge too. If you accidentally leave refrigerated medicine out or it freezes, speak with your pharmacist. They can advise you on whether to throw them out or use them in a certain timeframe. 

If you need extra support, chat with a doctor

Having a sick box can save you valuable time so you can focus on getting better. Plus it can give you peace of mind knowing you’ve got what you need on hand to bounce back to health. 

But if you do need extra support in your recovery, then you can book a telehealth consultation with a medical doctor through our partner hub.health. You can access qualified medical professionals from across the country to provide tailored advice about your specific situation. Plus, it’s all over the phone, meaning you can get convenient healthcare without having to leave your home. 

Please note: The information throughout this article serves as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.