Grocery shopping tips during Coronavirus quarantine

[SurrealisticSlumbers]

Glad to see this forum here on WS and reading what everyone is doing to stay safe. I have barely been anywhere now in several weeks. The times I've had to go out in public somewhere, i.e. the drugstore, gas stations and other essential places I've tried to minimize touching things or surfaces. I think I've done a pretty good job, wearing a surgical mask or doo-rag tied across my nose and mouth in such places, and don't hardly socialize with anyone outside of immediate family. I give others a wide berth if I'm out for some fresh air in the neighborhood.

However, these past few days I've been experiencing the symptoms of what I would call mild chest congestion. I have not been feverish, nor have I developed a cough. I feel the desire to cough, and have done so maybe a couple times here or there. I find myself clearing my throat often, and as I've had bronchitis in the past, it could very well be that. Seems that just about every spring, usually in April or May, I come down with something, whether it's a cold, hayfever, or some other upper respiratory bug.

I just have this feeling (that won't subside) of what I believe to be mucus in my chest/throat that isn't really budging. No sinus issues or stopped-up nose; can smell and taste just fine. I really don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill but don't know if this could possibly be a very mild case of COVID-19. I'm 27 and don't have any health problems - BMI is well within a healthy range, no high blood pressure, no other underlying conditions - but there are immediate family members with asthma and extended family who are elderly / diabetic. This virus would probably not be fatal to me. I am, however, concerned I could be contagious to people for whom it very well could be.

On top of all this, I recently had a phone interview that I'm waiting for a follow-up on, with a company in the greater Harrisburg area (I'm currently living in northern MD) where I'd be potentially working in a group home setting with two residents, both of whom are autistic adults. The home is apparently on lockdown, no outside visitors allowed, and I was told that precautions are taken to keep these adults and workers safe. I'm conflicted, because I currently don't know if I have COVID. If I were to get the job, I'm not sure if relocating immediately (as in early May) would be advisable. From articles I've been devouring, COVID is supposed to be peaking right about now, and perhaps will continue to do so these next few weeks.

As Maryland's Gov. Hogan is telling us, it wouldn't be a good thing to take our foot off the accelerator just as we're making progress. He has ordered everyone to stay at home except for essential outings. Seems some aren't taking social distancing seriously, and you have to wonder about the hygiene of everyone around you... though I've been washing my hands like a fanatic and taking advantage of hand sanitizer / hand wipes in businesses, I'm sure I could be doing everything right and still get it from someone who is careless. I would feel awful if I unwittingly became another "Typhoid Mary"... Dauphin County, PA has had a total of 311 positive cases and 7 deaths. York County, PA has had 443 cases and 4 deaths. And yet, people are organizing protests in Harrisburg and demanding the state's economy be re-opened. I am sorry for the huge amount of text in this post. I'm just very concerned.

 

[katydid23]

Glad to see this forum here on WS and reading what everyone is doing to stay safe. I have barely been anywhere now in several weeks. The times I've had to go out in public somewhere, i.e. the drugstore, gas stations and other essential places I've tried to minimize touching things or surfaces. I think I've done a pretty good job, wearing a surgical mask or doo-rag tied across my nose and mouth in such places, and don't hardly socialize with anyone outside of immediate family. I give others a wide berth if I'm out for some fresh air in the neighborhood.

However, these past few days I've been experiencing the symptoms of what I would call mild chest congestion. I have not been feverish, nor have I developed a cough. I feel the desire to cough, and have done so maybe a couple times here or there. I find myself clearing my throat often, and as I've had bronchitis in the past, it could very well be that. Seems that just about every spring, usually in April or May, I come down with something, whether it's a cold, hayfever, or some other upper respiratory bug.

I just have this feeling (that won't subside) of what I believe to be mucus in my chest/throat that isn't really budging. No sinus issues or stopped-up nose; can smell and taste just fine. I really don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill but don't know if this could possibly be a very mild case of COVID-19. I'm 27 and don't have any health problems - BMI is well within a healthy range, no high blood pressure, no other underlying conditions - but there are immediate family members with asthma and extended family who are elderly / diabetic. This virus would probably not be fatal to me. I am, however, concerned I could be contagious to people for whom it very well could be.

On top of all this, I recently had a phone interview that I'm waiting for a follow-up on, with a company in the greater Harrisburg area (I'm currently living in northern MD) where I'd be potentially working in a group home setting with two residents, both of whom are autistic adults. The home is apparently on lockdown, no outside visitors allowed, and I was told that precautions are taken to keep these adults and workers safe. I'm conflicted, because I currently don't know if I have COVID. If I were to get the job, I'm not sure if relocating immediately (as in early May) would be advisable. From articles I've been devouring, COVID is supposed to be peaking right about now, and perhaps will continue to do so these next few weeks.

As Maryland's Gov. Hogan is telling us, it wouldn't be a good thing to take our foot off the accelerator just as we're making progress. He has ordered everyone to stay at home except for essential outings. Seems some aren't taking social distancing seriously, and you have to wonder about the hygiene of everyone around you... though I've been washing my hands like a fanatic and taking advantage of hand sanitizer / hand wipes in businesses, I'm sure I could be doing everything right and still get it from someone who is careless. I would feel awful if I unwittingly became another "Typhoid Mary"... Dauphin County, PA has had a total of 311 positive cases and 7 deaths. York County, PA has had 443 cases and 4 deaths. And yet, people are organizing protests in Harrisburg and demanding the state's economy be re-opened. I am sorry for the huge amount of text in this post. I'm just very concerned.

You can probably get a CV test before leaving for your new job, if you decide to accept it.

If you describe your symptoms, AND SAY YOU ARE GOING TO WORK IN HOME CARE SETTING, I am sure they will allow you to be tested.

More and more test sites are popping up across the country recently. We just had drive up sites Ibn Los Angeles, planning to offer 10k tests per day.

 

[bluedivergirl]

I don't use boxed rice or pasta very often, but when I do I use unsalted butter to keep the salt down. I think it helps. I keep a stick in the freezer, as it doesn't keep as well as salted butter.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

...However, these past few days I've been experiencing the symptoms of what I would call mild chest congestion. I have not been feverish, nor have I developed a cough. I feel the desire to cough, and have done so maybe a couple times here or there. I find myself clearing my throat often, and as I've had bronchitis in the past, it could very well be that. Seems that just about every spring, usually in April or May, I come down with something, whether it's a cold, hayfever, or some other upper respiratory bug.

I just have this feeling (that won't subside) of what I believe to be mucus in my chest/throat that isn't really budging. No sinus issues or stopped-up nose; can smell and taste just fine. I really don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill but don't know if this could possibly be a very mild case of COVID-19. I'm 27 and don't have any health problems - BMI is well within a healthy range, no high blood pressure, no other underlying conditions - but there are immediate family members with asthma and extended family who are elderly / diabetic. This virus would probably not be fatal to me. I am, however, concerned I could be contagious to people for whom it very well could be....

<respectfully snipped>

I have no medical training, but I was diagnosed with cough-variant asthma as an adult. Since asthma runs in my family, I probably had the propensity to develop it all my life but wasn't diagnosed until I was in my early 30s. After several bouts of recurring bronchitis, usually in the fall, I was referred to an asthma/allergy specialist. With continued use of cortico-steroidal inhalers and allergy injections off & on for 30 years, my asthma is generally under control.

Have you tried using a product like Mucinex to loosen the mucus? What you describe sounds like asthma, and you did mention a familial trend. Clearing throat, feeling that your chest is tight and filled with mucus are typical sensations of asthma. Not all asthma patients cough; some wheeze, while others experience tightness and chest congestion. When I have an asthma episode, I don't have any symptoms beyond a nasty cough with chest tightness and lots of mucus. The goal of treatment is to loosen the mucus and cough it up. Even if you're not coughing, you could also use OTC expectorant cough syrup like Robitussin DM. My allergy/asthma specialist recommends both OTC products, and I always have them on hand. It probably wouldn't hurt to try one or both of these OTC remedies for your symptoms. When you start to hear or feel "crackling" in your chest, you'll know that the mucus is loosening

 

[PayrollNerd]

SWFL food report:
I did the drive thru at the church today for my food bank stuff. I was pleasantly surprised to get a roll of paper towels in addition to eggs, shelf stable milk, a rice mix, cereal, a box of Mac n cheese, multiple canned items, chocolate fudge with walnuts and what looks like fruit gummies for kids. The cereal is in a gallon baggie so no idea if its gluten free. The gummies are not in their original box so I’m not sure what’s in them either. We are allergic to nuts so no fudge. Sigh. I love fudge. I know a family that can have these items and will share.

Since I was suited up - gloves, medical mask and wipes, I stopped at our new Hispanic grocery store that just opened in Jan. I want to keep our locals in business. This was my first trip inside a grocery store in 4-5 weeks. I wiped my cart and toodled around a nearly deserted store. It was about 9:00am. They had a limited supply of TP and paper towels, some laundry supplies and dish liquid. I was able to find most of what I was looking for. Teabags, sugar, foil, milk, broth, black beans, bread, olive oil, hotdogs & buns, etc. I did notice the prices on many things seemed much higher. The meat counter and the produce was well stocked for a small store. Ground round was $5.49/lb. A 16 oz block of Kraft medium cheddar cheese was $5.99. I was craving a Diet Pepsi and found a 2 liter for $1.09. I spent $75 and felt that was high for what I bought.

Interestingly enough, the area with the kitchen gadgets and pans was really picked over. I bet many people needed to buy equipment to actually cook.

I thanked the cashier for my receipt and added “thank you for being here too.” She seemed surprised and so did the other cashier. But they waived and thanked me for coming by to shop.

 

[kalvis]

My husband just left to pick up his meds at Walmart. They are offering curbside pick-up. They have certain parking spots available for pharmacy pick up. When you arrive you just call the pharmacy and tell them who you are (They check id’s) and they bring your medicine out to you with a hand held credi/debit card device.
This is a nice option since our Walmart is so packed with people spending their stimulus checks!

 

[mickey2942]

Geez, I wish I had a stimulus check! Every day I check my account. It seems like money is disappearing faster from there lately. Which is odd, I am not going anywhere or doing anything.

Well, out to get the "Quarantine Garden" going.

 

[Gardener1850]

My Great Grandmother had a little wire box, with a handle. She put all of the slivers of hand soap in there. And when it was time to do dishes, she put hot water in the sink, and swished around her "dish soap" dispenser until the water was frothy.

I might have to try that - I hate throwing out those slivers.

Ha ha, now you will how old I am, I found one, under "vintage, primitive metal mesh soap sliver saver". It is a collectible antique. LOL!

You can find them used on e-bay or etsy. Here's one: Used SOAP SAVER Bent Wire Hinged Soap Bar Re-User Dish Detergent Kitchen Tool | eBay

Lots of different designs out there. You can get the same results by repurposing a mesh produce bag. Or they sell reusable drawstring mesh bags for soap: https://www.amazon.com/VNDEFUL-Exfo...words=soap+sliver+saver&qid=1587226993&sr=8-4

 

[SurrealisticSlumbers]

<respectfully snipped>

I have no medical training, but I was diagnosed with cough-variant asthma as an adult. Since asthma runs in my family, I probably had the propensity to develop it all my life but wasn't diagnosed until I was in my early 30s. After several bouts of recurring bronchitis, usually in the fall, I was referred to an asthma/allergy specialist. With continued use of cortico-steroidal inhalers and allergy injections off & on for 30 years, my asthma is generally under control.

Have you tried using a product like Mucinex to loosen the mucus? What you describe sounds like asthma, and you did mention a familial trend. Clearing throat, feeling that your chest is tight and filled with mucus are typical sensations of asthma. Not all asthma patients cough; some wheeze, while others experience tightness and chest congestion. When I have an asthma episode, I don't have any symptoms beyond a nasty cough with chest tightness and lots of mucus. The goal of treatment is to loosen the mucus and cough it up. Even if you're not coughing, you could also use OTC expectorant cough syrup like Robitussin DM. My allergy/asthma specialist recommends both OTC products, and I always have them on hand. It probably wouldn't hurt to try one or both of these OTC remedies for your symptoms. When you start to hear or feel "crackling" in your chest, you'll know that the mucus is loosening

Thank you very much for chiming in with your helpful insights. I suppose I never thought about an adult in their 20s or 30s developing asthma, but since you mention your own story, it makes sense. My mother didn't start using an inhaler until she got into her 40s. (She doesn't need to use it often.) Fortunately, it sounds as though you have it well under control. I suppose I never made the connection between seasonal allergies and asthma.

Actually I did just decide to take Mucinex about a half-hour ago, which is the first real medication I have taken (since yesterday I have been taking garlic and echinacea to bolster my immune system). I feel today as though I'm coughing a bit more, but it is a soft cough, not hacking or uncontrollable. I'm hoping the chest tightness will relent at some point this evening so I can rid myself of this crud stuck in my lungs and get some peace of mind! I'd be relieved if this is indeed asthma. Of course I'll need to call my doctor and get a proper diagnosis, but if my mom and sister have it, I very well could as well.

 

[Laughing]

@SurrealisticSlumbers , also be sure you're drinking enough water. A lot! This will help you cough out whatever is in your lungs. Take your time in the shower, the moisture helps sometimes.

Lots of tree pollen in my area right now, I haven't used Mucinex yet but usually need to in the spring a time or two. That's in addition to a 365 antihistamine.

Like BDE, I have some other pulmonary issues & need to pay more attention than most people. I do like my pulmonary doc -- but I'd rather not need to see him, ya'know?

best, Laughing

 

[SurrealisticSlumbers]

@Laughing - Thank you, I will do that! It may just be pollen. Ditto on the doctor... If it comes down to it you have to do what you have to do. But I hope what is plaguing us is run-of-the-mill allergies or maybe just the onset of asthma in my case. We'll see.

 

[Teche]

@BetteDavisEyes I started making turkey gumbo about 15 years ago for the neighbors with my leftover turkey - we would have leftovers day - After I cook the turkey I make stock - usually in a stock pot with onion, celery carrot and garlic cloves and simmer for a few hours. This time, I threw the carcass in the crock pot with an onion chopped up and some garlic and let it cook all night until I got home from work. Broth tasted as good as when I added all those vegetables.
My base recipe is from Emeril (my hero) - Turkey Bone Gumbo

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 quarts Turkey Broth
• Reserved turkey meat and vegetables from making turkey broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• Cooked long grain white rice, for serving

• Combine the oil and flour in a large cast-iron pot or enameled cast-iron Dutch oven, over medium heat. Stirring slowly and constantly for 20 to 25 minutes, make a dark brown roux, the color of chocolate.
  
  
• Season the onions, bell peppers, celery and garlic with the salt and cayenne. Add this to the roux and stir until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage, the dried thyme and oregano, and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Add the reserved turkey meat and the reserved onions and celery and cook for 15 minutes. Taste, adjust the seasoning if necessary, and add the parsley and green onions.
  
  
• Serve in soup bowls with hot rice. (Filé powder can be added at the table according to personal taste.)

The roux is the hardest part - I always chop everything in advance because once the roux is ready you have to put them in so they don't burn and you can't wait to chop, etc. I pretty much follow this except I don't measure - I use 1 green bell pepper, 3 stalks of celery, 3-4 garlic cloves - a package of the sausage like Hillshire farms or Eckrich. I pick off the turkey from the broth too and use the legs meat and whatever leftover turkey meat I have after we use the breast for panini's - we have a whole leftovers thing happening at Thanksgiving. This year I bought the turkey because it was super cheap and we thought it would make us several meals which it did. And I had a jar of Williams Sonomo turkey gravy left. BEST EVER IMO

You must be Cajun. We live on gumbo year round...chicken and sausage, shrimp and okra, seafood, and turkey. We make a large magnalite pot. Leftovers are frozen.

 

[ilovewings]

l

<respectfully snipped>

I have no medical training, but I was diagnosed with cough-variant asthma as an adult. Since asthma runs in my family, I probably had the propensity to develop it all my life but wasn't diagnosed until I was in my early 30s. After several bouts of recurring bronchitis, usually in the fall, I was referred to an asthma/allergy specialist. With continued use of cortico-steroidal inhalers and allergy injections off & on for 30 years, my asthma is generally under control.

Have you tried using a product like Mucinex to loosen the mucus? What you describe sounds like asthma, and you did mention a familial trend. Clearing throat, feeling that your chest is tight and filled with mucus are typical sensations of asthma. Not all asthma patients cough; some wheeze, while others experience tightness and chest congestion. When I have an asthma episode, I don't have any symptoms beyond a nasty cough with chest tightness and lots of mucus. The goal of treatment is to loosen the mucus and cough it up. Even if you're not coughing, you could also use OTC expectorant cough syrup like Robitussin DM. My allergy/asthma specialist recommends both OTC products, and I always have them on hand. It probably wouldn't hurt to try one or both of these OTC remedies for your symptoms. When you start to hear or feel "crackling" in your chest, you'll know that the mucus is loosening

Hi there: we are fellow Detroit suburbanites!! you talk about the places I go too when I am home there (right now I am in Florida);, like Salvaggios and such. I do have a question, does Mucinex actually work? I have heard various opinions: does it actually loosen the mucus? Until I got down to Florida I have not had any asthma type problems for years. But since being here in Florida since November I have gunk in my chest-- until November I didn't have to use Ventolin inhaler but once a year: now I take one puff daily (along with Flovent inhaler once daily).
Take care and stay safe!!!

 

[Teche]

@BetteDavisEyes I started making turkey gumbo about 15 years ago for the neighbors with my leftover turkey - we would have leftovers day - After I cook the turkey I make stock - usually in a stock pot with onion, celery carrot and garlic cloves and simmer for a few hours. This time, I threw the carcass in the crock pot with an onion chopped up and some garlic and let it cook all night until I got home from work. Broth tasted as good as when I added all those vegetables.
My base recipe is from Emeril (my hero) - Turkey Bone Gumbo

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 quarts Turkey Broth
• Reserved turkey meat and vegetables from making turkey broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• Cooked long grain white rice, for serving

• Combine the oil and flour in a large cast-iron pot or enameled cast-iron Dutch oven, over medium heat. Stirring slowly and constantly for 20 to 25 minutes, make a dark brown roux, the color of chocolate.
  
  
• Season the onions, bell peppers, celery and garlic with the salt and cayenne. Add this to the roux and stir until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage, the dried thyme and oregano, and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Add the reserved turkey meat and the reserved onions and celery and cook for 15 minutes. Taste, adjust the seasoning if necessary, and add the parsley and green onions.
  
  
• Serve in soup bowls with hot rice. (Filé powder can be added at the table according to personal taste.)

The roux is the hardest part - I always chop everything in advance because once the roux is ready you have to put them in so they don't burn and you can't wait to chop, etc. I pretty much follow this except I don't measure - I use 1 green bell pepper, 3 stalks of celery, 3-4 garlic cloves - a package of the sausage like Hillshire farms or Eckrich. I pick off the turkey from the broth too and use the legs meat and whatever leftover turkey meat I have after we use the breast for panini's - we have a whole leftovers thing happening at Thanksgiving. This year I bought the turkey because it was super cheap and we thought it would make us several meals which it did. And I had a jar of Williams Sonomo turkey gravy left. BEST EVER IMO

I make roux from scratch but in a pinch I’ve used store bought roux. You can have roux shipped from Louisiana. It last an eternity.

 

[PayrollNerd]

l

Hi there: we are fellow Detroit suburbanites!! you talk about the places I go too when I am home there (right now I am in Florida);, like Salvaggios and such. I do have a question, does Mucinex actually work? I have heard various opinions: does it actually loosen the mucus? Until I got down to Florida I have not had any asthma type problems for years. But since being here in Florida since November I have gunk in my chest-- until November I didn't have to use Ventolin inhaler but once a year: now I take one puff daily (along with Flovent inhaler once daily).
Take care and stay safe!!!

Musinex used to be a prescription drug my allergist prescribed. It is activated by the fluids you drink, thinning out the mucus so it drains. Drink more water and it works like a charm.

 

[ilovewings]

Musinex used to be a prescription drug my allergist prescribed. It is activated by the fluids you drink, thinning out the mucus so it drains. Drink more water and it works like a charm.

Thanks for the info--i do drink quite a bit of water

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Musinex used to be a prescription drug my allergist prescribed. It is activated by the fluids you drink, thinning out the mucus so it drains. Drink more water and it works like a charm.

I was going to say the same thing You need to drink a lot of water when taking Mucinex, and it definitely works. Guaifenesin is the primary ingredient in Mucinex that used to be available by Rx only. I remember taking the turquoise caplets that tasted like chlorine Guaifenesin is a stimulant, so it's best not to take it more often than directed and avoid caffeinated beverages, as well.

 

[JDG]

Glad to see this forum here on WS and reading what everyone is doing to stay safe. I have barely been anywhere now in several weeks. The times I've had to go out in public somewhere, i.e. the drugstore, gas stations and other essential places I've tried to minimize touching things or surfaces. I think I've done a pretty good job, wearing a surgical mask or doo-rag tied across my nose and mouth in such places, and don't hardly socialize with anyone outside of immediate family. I give others a wide berth if I'm out for some fresh air in the neighborhood.

However, these past few days I've been experiencing the symptoms of what I would call mild chest congestion. I have not been feverish, nor have I developed a cough. I feel the desire to cough, and have done so maybe a couple times here or there. I find myself clearing my throat often, and as I've had bronchitis in the past, it could very well be that. Seems that just about every spring, usually in April or May, I come down with something, whether it's a cold, hayfever, or some other upper respiratory bug.

I just have this feeling (that won't subside) of what I believe to be mucus in my chest/throat that isn't really budging. No sinus issues or stopped-up nose; can smell and taste just fine. I really don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill but don't know if this could possibly be a very mild case of COVID-19. I'm 27 and don't have any health problems - BMI is well within a healthy range, no high blood pressure, no other underlying conditions - but there are immediate family members with asthma and extended family who are elderly / diabetic. This virus would probably not be fatal to me. I am, however, concerned I could be contagious to people for whom it very well could be.

On top of all this, I recently had a phone interview that I'm waiting for a follow-up on, with a company in the greater Harrisburg area (I'm currently living in northern MD) where I'd be potentially working in a group home setting with two residents, both of whom are autistic adults. The home is apparently on lockdown, no outside visitors allowed, and I was told that precautions are taken to keep these adults and workers safe. I'm conflicted, because I currently don't know if I have COVID. If I were to get the job, I'm not sure if relocating immediately (as in early May) would be advisable. From articles I've been devouring, COVID is supposed to be peaking right about now, and perhaps will continue to do so these next few weeks.

As Maryland's Gov. Hogan is telling us, it wouldn't be a good thing to take our foot off the accelerator just as we're making progress. He has ordered everyone to stay at home except for essential outings. Seems some aren't taking social distancing seriously, and you have to wonder about the hygiene of everyone around you... though I've been washing my hands like a fanatic and taking advantage of hand sanitizer / hand wipes in businesses, I'm sure I could be doing everything right and still get it from someone who is careless. I would feel awful if I unwittingly became another "Typhoid Mary"... Dauphin County, PA has had a total of 311 positive cases and 7 deaths. York County, PA has had 443 cases and 4 deaths. And yet, people are organizing protests in Harrisburg and demanding the state's economy be re-opened. I am sorry for the huge amount of text in this post. I'm just very concerned.

It could be seasonal allergies, a regular cold or upper respiratory issue. No need to worry about COVID at this point, IMO.

Everyone is on the edge about COVID and most are not, we all get minor congestion all the time and until recently were not concerned in the least. Just keep hydrated to keep the phlegm moving.

I'm in the same boat, its probably allergies to something thats in the yard.

 

[mickey2942]

I went to Costco and Walmart today. Both were pretty empty. But plenty of food on the shelves, at rock bottom prices. Especially fresh veggies.

Costco had some winter socks on sale, super sale.

Walmart was interesting, again, rock bottom prices on produce. Lots of the Walmart shoppers going around with blue boxes, filling up online orders. No empty shelves, tons of food, TP.

I did "self check", and noticed that it is not as sensitive as it used to be. It used to always have one or two issues. Now, no problems.

I haven't been to the store in three weeks. And pretty much, don't plan on going for another 3 or 4 weeks.

 

[Gardener1850]

I went to Costco and Walmart today. Both were pretty empty. But plenty of food on the shelves, at rock bottom prices. Especially fresh veggies.

Costco had some winter socks on sale, super sale.

Walmart was interesting, again, rock bottom prices on produce. Lots of the Walmart shoppers going around with blue boxes, filling up online orders. No empty shelves, tons of food, TP.

I did "self check", and noticed that it is not as sensitive as it used to be. It used to always have one or two issues. Now, no problems.

I haven't been to the store in three weeks. And pretty much, don't plan on going for another 3 or 4 weeks.

That's good to hear that they are well stocked. I need to go out and search for TP soon. I have heard from my local contacts that Walmart is the only place to find it around here. But I really didn't want to go to Walmart this weekend. I thought it would probably be packed with everyone spending their checks. I'm going to try on a weekday and hope it's not too busy.