First-aid Care Package Can Perk Up College Students

Not only is it difficult for many parents to say goodbye to their college-bound children, it can be stressful to be so far away in times of sickness or injury.

Dr. Hubert Ho, a pediatrician with Texas Children's Pediatric Associates, suggests compiling a first-aid kit for minor illnesses and emergencies.

"Stock a plastic container with bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, an ice pack or chemical cold pack for sprains, and a thermometer," Dr. Ho says. "You'll also want to include medicines for diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, cold or flu, allergies, general aches and pains, and sore throat lozenges or spray. If your child is on prescription medication, make sure he or she locates a nearby pharmacy for prescription refills."

Ho advises parents to make sure college students receive the meningococcal vaccine since they can be extremely susceptible to this type of meninigitis.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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