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As winter approaches American cities faster than usual, millions of Americans are preparing for a winter that will include additional cases of coronavirus. With flu season coming, the thought of having to deal with the flu, colds, and coronavirus is overwhelming. 

Many people are stocking up on vitamin C, echinacea, goldenseal, zinc and other things to boost their immune system before winter hits. For many, this is standard practice every winter. For others, it’s new territory. 

Those who don’t get sick on a regular basis are starting to wonder if they’re susceptible to catching the novel coronavirus and are preparing for all possibilities. However, preparing for a coronavirus winter involves more than just boosting your immune system. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted life on all fronts

While millions of people are getting sick with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, life has been disrupted on all fronts. Small businesses have been forced to close, restaurants have been ordered to close or operate at a low capacity, and in-person gatherings have been either banned or limited. Kids are going back to school through virtual online classes, and they’re not able to hang out with their friends. 

In light of all the changes brought on by the coronavirus, people are preparing to deal with these issues throughout the winter. Here’s what you can do to make sure you and your family stay safe, warm, and healthy this winter.

Use your wood stove (or get one if you don’t already have one)

Times are tough and every penny counts. If you have a wood burning stove in your home, use it this winter. You’ll save a ton of money on heating costs and that money can go toward medicine, herbs, or even food. 

If you don’t have a wood stove and you’ve got ample space to install one, consider getting one before winter hits. If the idea of splitting, stacking, and hauling wood is overwhelming, get a pellet stove instead. Pellet stoves are low maintenance and have a hopper that feeds the wood pellets into the stove. Many models have an electronic ignition switch so you don’t have to worry about stacking your wood just right to get a fire going.

You may not think you need to save on heating costs right now, but if you get laid off, you’ll be glad you made the switch.

Stock up on Necessary Medicine

Get a decent stock of whatever medicine you and your family might need this winter. This winter is supposed to be harsh; if you’re living in an area that gets snow, you can expect even more snow this year. After a snow or ice storm, it could be days or weeks before you can go into town. 

Get items like antihistamines, pain killers, wound care cream, nasal sprays, vitamins, and mineral supplements. By collecting a small stash of necessary medicine now, you’ll be extremely thankful if you need it this winter.

Get at least a month’s worth of stored food

Every family should have at least one month’s worth of stored food on hand. While you’re probably ready for a week, that may not be enough during a coronavirus winter. Even if the supply chains don’t break down and food is available at the store, there are three reasons you may not be able to get to the store: snow, lockdowns, and quarantine.

While nobody wants to see another round of COVID-19 lockdowns, it’s a possibility. A lockdown in the winter will be much different than in the summer. If you are used to walking to the store, you’ll have to hitch a ride from a friend in the winter. 

If the lockdown prohibits people from mingling with others outside of their immediate household, you could get fined for hitching a ride. Last, if you’re ordered to quarantine or self-isolate in your home, you’ll need food.

Plan some indoor activities

Those walks around the park and bike rides around the block that have been keeping you sane won’t be enjoyable in the coming cold winter. You’ll be spending more time indoors this winter, so plan for indoor activities like playing board games and cards.

Stay safe, healthy, and warm this winter

With winter around the corner, now is the time to prepare for staying safe, healthy, and warm. Once you’ve got your own house in order, reach out to your neighbors to find out what they need and offer to help them get prepared. Experts say the coronavirus isn’t going away anytime soon, so be prepared for a long, potentially cold coronavirus winter.