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YOUR GET-HEALTHY KIT Before you find yourself sidelined with fever, body aches, coughing and sneezing, make sure you’re fully stocked up on these eight essentials. 1. COVID TESTS: Avoid the

embarrassment of hacking while standing in line at the pharmacy buying COVID tests. Keep two or three rapid tests on hand to help you identify if your symptoms are related to COVID. 2.

MASKS: Whether you have COVID or not, protect yourself and those around you by wearing a mask. N95s, KN95s or KF94s are best. 3. ACETAMINOPHEN: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred fever

reducer for fighting illnesses, says June McKoy, M.D., a geriatrician and professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Ibuprofen is great for sprains and

strains, but in older people it may cause elevated blood pressure, interfere with kidney function and cause gastrointestinal discomfort. 4. THERMOMETER: Fever can be a symptom of COVID-19

and the flu, but is less likely for the common cold. Having a thermometer on hand will arm you with important info if you need to call your doctor. Pro tip: Purchase a contact thermometer

(one used on the forehead or in the mouth or armpit), as contactless forehead thermometers have been shown to miss the majority of fevers. 5. PULSE OXIMETER: This device, which clips to your

fingertip, measures your blood oxygen saturation level and can indicate if your oxygen level is decreasing, necessitating medical intervention. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns

that these monitors may be less accurate for people with darker skin tones, so talk to your doctor before getting one. If you’re experiencing breathing problems, call your health care

provider. 6. THROAT LOZENGES: Stick with a plain, non-zinc throat lozenge, McKoy recommends. (Zinc can alter your sense of smell and taste for several days, she says.) 7. COUGH SYRUP:

Dextromethorphan (Robitussin) is a good option for quieting a pesky cough. “You don’t want to get rid of a cough completely, as it serves a purpose to clear your airways,” McKoy notes. 8.

SOUP: Keep your soup shelf stocked with several varieties this winter and grab any can when the mood strikes. Soup is hydrating and can help speed the movement of mucus and lessen

congestion.