The Cold and Flu Home Care Kit: What to Stock Before You Get Sick

Health information notice. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always ask your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911.

Quick answer. A good home cold and flu kit has five things: a thermometer, a pulse oximeter (if your provider suggests one), hand soap and sanitizer, disposable gloves and masks for caregivers, and basics for comfort and clean-up. Put them in one place before the season starts, check the batteries, and know the warning signs that mean you need emergency care.

Cold and flu season usually peaks in the winter. The easiest time to get ready is before anyone is sick. A small kit in one place means you are not shopping, or sending someone else shopping, while you feel your worst.

Part of our guide: The Home and Clinic Guide to Diagnostic and Medical Supplies.

What goes in a home cold and flu kit?

1. A digital thermometer

A thermometer is the first thing most people reach for. Digital models are quick to read and easy to clean. Forehead (temporal) models read without a probe in the mouth, ear models read in seconds, and oral models are a familiar choice. Pick the style that is easiest for the person using it, and use the same one each time so readings are easy to compare. Keep spare batteries and probe covers with it.

Examples from our catalog: the Exergen TemporalScanner Digital Thermometer reads across the forehead, and the AdTemp 421 Tympanic IR Thermometer reads in the ear. Browse all Thermometers & Accessories.

2. A pulse oximeter

A pulse oximeter clips on a fingertip and shows a pulse rate and an oxygen saturation reading. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that readings can be affected by poor circulation, skin pigmentation, skin thickness, skin temperature, tobacco use and nail polish.¹ Treat a reading as one more piece of information to share with your doctor or nurse line. It cannot tell you what illness you have, and it is not a reason to skip a call to your provider.

Examples from our catalog: the Diagnostix 2100 Finger Pulse Oximeter and the Proactive Medical fingertip pulse oximeter. Browse Diagnostic Equipment.

3. Hand hygiene

Soap and water are the first choice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.² When soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.³ Browse Hand Sanitizers for sanitizer in sizes for the home. Our guide to hand hygiene and skin care has the full steps.

4. Gloves and masks

If you care for someone who is sick, disposable gloves help when you handle tissues, linens or clean-up. Wash your hands after you take them off. Examples: Micro-Touch Nitrile Exam Gloves, sold by the box in several sizes; and ASTM Level 1 Medical Face Masks, for a caregiver or a person who is sick. Browse Gloves and Masks & Gowns & Scrubs.

5. Comfort and clean-up

Add tissues, disinfecting wipes for door handles and remotes, trash bags, and hand lotion for dry skin. Our guide to building a home first aid kit covers the rest of the supplies worth keeping on hand.

How do I keep track of symptoms?

Write down temperature readings with the time you took them, and any other changes. A short list helps your provider understand how things are going when you call.

When should I get help?

Call your doctor or nurse line if symptoms get worse, if the sick person is very young, older, pregnant or has a long-term condition, or if you are not sure. Get emergency care right away for difficulty or trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, severe weakness or unsteadiness, or bluish lips or face.⁴ If you cannot get care quickly, call 911.

What can caregivers do?

• Give the sick person their own space if you can, and air out the room.
• Wash your hands before and after you help.
• Clean the things everyone touches, every day.
• Look after yourself too. Rest and fluids matter for you as well.

Check your kit now

Thermometers need working batteries. Gloves, wipes and sanitizer can dry out or expire. Look at everything once at the start of the season and replace what you need.

Frequently asked questions

Can a pulse oximeter tell me if I have the flu? No. It shows pulse and oxygen saturation only. Share readings with your healthcare provider, and call them if you are worried.

Is soap better than hand sanitizer? Soap and water are the first choice, especially when hands look dirty or greasy. Sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good option when soap is not available.²³

Which type of thermometer should I choose? The one you will use correctly and comfortably. Follow the instructions that come with it.

What should I stock before cold and flu season? A thermometer, hand hygiene supplies, gloves and masks for caregivers, and comfort and clean-up items. A pulse oximeter is optional; ask your provider.

Next steps

Shop the Diagnostic & Medical Supplies menu, and see Preventing Falls as the Days Get Shorter.

Sources

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always ask your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911. Last reviewed October 2026.