Be prepared when gastrointestinal illness strikes
Generate personalized emergency kits and symptom trackers for your household
Your Personalized Emergency Kit
Select your household details and click "Generate Emergency Kit" to see your personalized recommendations.
Symptom Tracking Charts
Print these charts to monitor symptoms during an outbreak. Track each person separately.
Tracking charts will appear here after generating your kit.
School Absence Planning
When a child is ill, contact their school or daycare early. Most institutions have specific return-to-learn protocols after gastrointestinal illness.
Document Symptoms
Keep records of when symptoms started, severity, and duration. This helps healthcare providers and satisfies school requirements.
Notify Contacts
Send absence notices to teachers, coaches, and childcare providers. Include expected return date based on symptom-free period.
Return Protocol
Most schools require 24-48 hours symptom-free before returning. No fever, no vomiting, no diarrhea. Check local policies.
Hydration Planning
Dehydration is the most serious risk during gastrointestinal illness. Plan your fluid intake based on household size and activity level.
Adults (18+)
8-12 glasses daily minimum during illness
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
- Broth-based soups
- Electrolyte drinks
- Plain water
Children (4-18)
7-10 glasses daily minimum during illness
- Child-friendly ORS
- Flavored electrolyte drinks
- Water with a pinch of salt
Infants (under 4)
Follow pediatrician guidance; breast milk or formula may need adjustment
- Extra breastfeeding sessions
- Ready-to-feed formula if bottle-feeding
- Consult pediatrician before giving fluids
Important Assumptions
- All household members share a bathroom and kitchen
- You have access to basic cleaning supplies
- Medical attention is available if needed
- Kit recommendations assume 3-5 day outbreak duration
- Pet care needs are not included; add separately if relevant
Things to Double-Check
- Expiration dates on medications and oral rehydration salts
- Local pharmacy availability during illness outbreaks
- Regional water quality advisories
- Insurance coverage for medical visits
- Special dietary needs of household members
- Pet food and care supplies if applicable
- Workplace sick leave policies