College Health:
First Aid Supplies

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What should I take with me to college in case I get sick or have a small emergency?

Most college and university campuses have a student health center where you can go if you are sick with a cold, flu, need first aid, etc. However, most student health centers aren't open 24 hours a day, and may not be open at all on the weekends. Therefore, it's a good idea to buy a few supplies and make a home-made first aid kit to keep in your dorm room. Chances are you won’t need to use it, but if you do, you'll be happy that you have the supplies on hand.

Your kit should include:

• Digital thermometer
• Adhesive bandages for small cuts and scrapes
• Gauze and adhesive tape
• Antibacterial/antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin, Neosporin®)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• An ice pack or chemical cold pack
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches and fevers
• Medicine for menstrual cramps (ibuprofen, naproxen sodium)
• Allergy medicine (especially if you have itchy eyes and tend to sneeze from pollen/dust)
• Cough and cold medicine
• Sore throat lozenges
• Calamine lotion

While it's great to be able to treat minor cuts, scrapes, and colds on your own, if you have an injury that is serious or doesn't get better, it's important to go to the student health center or tot the closest emergency room.

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Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Boston Children's Hospital

Updated: 2/1/2013