9 Essential Medicine Cabinet Updates to Make Before the 2026 Flu Season

3. Get a reliable digital thermometer (and know how to use it)

An accurate thermometer turns guesswork into clear action. A reliable digital thermometer helps you track fever trends, know when to use fever reducers, and decide if medical attention is needed. Options include oral, ear (tympanic), and temporal artery models—choose one that fits your family’s needs and learn its proper technique to avoid false readings. Keep spare batteries and clean the probe after each use, following the manufacturer’s instructions for safe hygiene. Record readings in a simple log so clinicians can see how a fever changes over time; a single temperature is less useful than the pattern across hours or days. For infants, many pediatric practices recommend specific thermometer types and thresholds for seeking care; check with your child’s clinician for guidance. In older adults or people with underlying health issues, a thermometer is also useful to support remote consultations or triage decisions. Finally, pairing the thermometer with a basic plan—when to give medication, when to call the clinician, and when to rest—makes it a practical tool rather than an anxiety trigger. Use readings to inform calm, timely decisions about care.

4. Plan for prescription antivirals: have contact and timing ready

Antiviral treatment can lessen symptom severity when started early for people at higher risk of complications. Instead of waiting to find a prescription under pressure, build a plan now: save your clinician’s after-hours contact, confirm whether telehealth visits are an option, and know which local pharmacies can fill urgent prescriptions. If a household member is older, pregnant, very young, or has chronic conditions, ask your clinician about when antiviral therapy would be recommended and what symptoms should prompt immediate contact. Timing matters—clinician guidance often emphasizes starting treatment within a specific window after symptom onset—so quick access to care is essential. Keep insurance and pharmacy details in an accessible place to speed the process. Do not try to self-prescribe or rely on expired prescriptions; always use a current prescription under clinical supervision. This planning step lowers the odds that a serious case will escalate. It also gives families peace of mind: when symptoms begin, you’ll know your next move rather than scrambling for appointments or pharmacy availability.