Here's what you should have (but shouldn't stockpile) in the house right now
Stop the panic-buying!
As Coronavirus concern sweeps the globe, you've likely seen the sorry state our supermarkets are in. We're panic-buying loo roll, stockpiling soap and stuffing our trolleys with lifetime supplies of painkillers and hand sanitiser.
So much so, that many supermarkets have introduced rationing on the sales of certain products.
In a joint letter from UK retailers, we're advised that 'there is enough for everyone if we all work together', but that 'buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without'.
So, what exactly do we need to buy if we are planning on a period of self-isolation, or are worried about actually contracting Coronavirus, ensuring we have the essentials without inconsiderate and unnecessary stockpiling?
This is your essential self-isolation survival kit, according to Dr Aragona Giuseppe, GP and medical advisor at Prescription Doctor.
Paracetamol over ibuprofen
'You should ensure you are stocked up with medicines and pain relievers for at least one month prior to self-isolation,' advises Dr Giuseppe. 'Paracetamol, cough and cold medicines, throat lozenges, and stomach-remedy tablets will all be efficient.'
Some reports, such as those by the French health minister Olivier Véran, suggest that taking ibuprofen could dampen the body's response to infection because of its anti-inflammatory properties, so it's probably best to take paracetamol if you have a fever.
Vitamin C supplements
In these concerning times, it's easy to panic-buy every vitamin and mineral supplement under the sun, but Dr Giuseppe advises taking vitamin C alongside your regular supplements. While it won't ward off the virus, it's still an effective booster for your immune system.
Nutritious supplies
'Tinned foods are fine in case you are isolating for longer than two weeks,' says Dr Giuseppe, but 'fresh fruit and vegetables are key, as are foods high in protein'. For a guide to protein-rich foods, check the Eat Well guide on the NHS website.
Healthy fats
You may not automatically look to this food group when considering what to buy, but Dr Giuseppe strongly advises stocking up on healthy fats. Plus, they're often found in products that have a long shelf-life, so ideal if you're self-isolating. 'Look for flax seeds, chia seeds and olive oil,' he says.
Lemons
While you're shopping for supplies, make sure to add a bag of lemons to your trolley. They're rich in vitamin C and effective when added to hot drinks if you're feeling sick. 'Drinking a hot lemon with honey drink may help a sore throat and soothe other symptoms in general,' advises Dr Giuseppe.
Electrolyte/meal replacement drinks
Should you become unwell, it's a good idea to have nutrient-rich drinks in the fridge. 'Meal replacement drinks will help if you lose your appetite or become sick from the symptoms,' says Dr Giuseppe. 'Electrolyte type drinks will also be fine if you can't stomach tap water, as keeping up your daily liquids is imperative – you should be drinking at least two litres.'
Cleaning products – but not too many
'Stock up on hand sanitiser, soap, tissues and anti-bacterial wipes to ensure you are keeping yourself and your environment clean,' says Dr Giuseppe. But don't go overboard and remember to be considerate when buying cleaning supplies.
Check with your local supermarket on how they're rationing products, and if they're not, stick to the general rule of no more than two per person of a specific product.
If you're working from home, here are some great ways to be more productive:
1. Suitable working space
Set aside an area for working, preferably a desk or table with good light and a good Internet connection.
2. Listen to Hits Radio
If you're used to working in a busy office, then there's nothing worse that sitting in silence. So, why not get Hits Radio on, we'll keep you up-to-date with the latest news, entertainment and of course the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks.
3. Make sure you take breaks
Make sure you take proper breaks from your screen, get up, have a walk about the house and if you have outside space take a break there if the weather is good.
4. Keep to your routine
Just because you can get up later, don't lie in. Make sure you still have breakfast and all your usual things before 'going to work'.
5. Get dressed!
It might sound obvious, but get dressed! Although there's a lot of temptation to just sit on the sofa in your pyjamas, you're probably killing your productivity if you do.
6. Internet and applications
Check your internet is fast enough for what you need and if it isn't what can you do about it?
You might be able to plug your computer in directly to your router using an Ethernet cable, or move closer to it.
Don't forget to also check all of your applications are accessible at home including VPN.
7. Don't feel cut off
Just because you're working from home doesn't mean you're cut off from your workmates. You can use applications like Slack, Skype, and Teams to communicate with your colleagues and friends via video. So don't feel alone!
8. Stay focussed
Don't be tempted to do household chores throughout your working day, just because you're at home. If you want to get some chores done, save them for your lunchtime or after you've logged off.
9. Stick to your hours
The temptation with working from home is for work and home life to merge into one, so make sure you properly log off when you finish work. 👋
Don't forget to keep Hits Radio on while you're at home.
Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online or ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio'.