6 Best Costco Anti-COVID Products
They're back. High rates of COVID spread, face mask mandates—and toilet paper shortages. Like last fall, Americans seem to be stocking up on one of the few household items that has no practical substitute. This week, Twitter users reported that Costco, the nation's largest warehouse club, had run out of bulk TP in various locations. Instead of stockpiling paper products, the best things you can do to gird yourself against the coronavirus are to get vaccinated and to wear a face mask in public. And if you happen to be at Costco, consider these six COVID-protective products. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You Have "Long" COVID and May Not Even Know It.
N95 Masks
The CDC has revised its initial guidance that vaccinated Americans no longer needed to wear face masks in public. Faced with the surge of the Delta variant, the agency now recommends masking "if you're in an area of substantial or high transmission," which means over 50 cases per 100,000 people or a positivity rate of over 8%. N95 masks provide the highest level of protection, filtering at least 95% of microbes with a size of 0.3 microns. 100 masks, $149.95
Face Masks
N95 masks provide the highest protection, but they can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time (one of the reasons why the CDC hasn't officially recommended them for the public). These general-use face masks are a more breathable option. Just be aware that they may also let in more microbes. To make surgical-style face masks like these more effective, the CDC recommends wearing them under a cloth face mask, tightening the straps and folding the sides, or wearing a mask brace to secure the mask more tightly to the face. 200 masks, $14.97
Hand Sanitizer
Although COVID-19 is more readily transmitted through the mouth and nose than via surfaces, it's still important to keep your hands clean to fend off coronavirus (and the colds and flu that will begin circulating soon). These 3.38 oz. bottles are easy to stash in your car, purse or backpack for quick disinfection when you're away from a sink. 6 bottles, $29.99
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Vitamin D and Vitamin C
Experts say that most "immune-enhancing" supplements are bunk. But there are two that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious-disease expert, takes daily, encouraged by strong data showing they help the body fight off infections of all kinds. They're Vitamin C and Vitamin D, and at bulk prices under $20, they're a sound and easy investment to make in your health. Nature Made 1,000 IU Vitamin D softgels, 650 count, $17.99; Kirkland Signature Vitamin C 1,000 mg tablets, 500 count, $17.99
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COVID Vaccines
Studies continue to show that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness or death from the virus. Costco's pharmacies are administering the vaccines, free of charge. You can schedule an appointment here.
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How to Stay Safe Out There
Follow the fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
