Heading to College? Make & Take a DIY Med Kit.

I’ve been there. Flashback: It’s 8 PM during my freshman year of college and I just hobbled back from the library with monstrous bloody blisters from new sandals. The bookstore is closed. It’s already dark. And I’m hoping my roommate is home so I can convince her to walk with me (buddy system!) to the gas station to get some band-aids and Neosporin.  My roommate is not back yet, but fortunately I remember that my mom is The Absolute Best and packed me a first aid kit that she put together herself. I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t protest and roll my eyes when she packed it, but I kid you not – the entire floor of my dorm probably used that med kit at some point.

Did you know that roughly 1 in 4 college students will get influenza each year? Other infectious diseases like mononucleosis (“kissing disease”), strep throat/tonsillitis, norovirus (stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea), and common colds are especially prominent on college campuses due to close quarter living.* Other issues of concern on college campuses include STIs, mood/sleep disturbance, injuries, and bacterial meningitis. Not all colleges are a short walk away from a CVS or a Rite Aid, and oftentimes campus stores or health centers have limited hours and options, so having supplies on hand is key.

* Obviously COVID-19 is the big elephant in the room. I’ll be posting a separate article dedicated to my thoughts on “college + covid” soon.

Over the years, I’ve made different variations of that med kit my mom put together ages ago. Now, after working in university clinics as a family medicine physician, I’ve put my own spin on it. See below for my recommendations!

Supplies:

1. Band-aids: various sizes, various purposes.
2. Vaseline: great for chapped lips, cracked or dry skin, broken cuticles and more.
3. Neosporin or other topical antibiotic: can be applied to minor cuts and lesions after washing well with soap and water.
4. Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol: can be used to sterilize thermometer, retainers, toothbrushes, earrings, etc. For minor cuts I recommend washing gently with soap and water rather than using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.
5. Ace bandage: for all those unplanned injuries. Can be used to wrap a knee/shoulder/ankle, as a temporary sling, to hold ice packs in place, and also can be washed and re-used.
6. Athletic tape + pre-wrap:  and for more unplanned injuries. Do not try to re-use.
7. Instant ice pack: squeeze to activate and apply to area in question. Great for sprains, bruises, headaches, and more.
8. Thermometer: fever or no fever? Crucial information for when you’re not feeling well.  
9. Tweezers: splinters, etc.
10. Cortisone cream: sold over-the-counter as a 1% cream and can be used to help stop itching associated with bug bites, eczema, and other rashes.
11. Condoms: parents, this may feel awkward to put in your college student’s med kit, but remember that 30 seconds of feeling awkward is better than a lifetime of them dealing with herpes.
12. Heating pads: It’s always nice to have some of the stick-on heating pads on hand for menstrual cramps, muscle aches, tension headaches, and more.
13. Travel tissue pack: just for backup
14. Extra masks: because we’re in the middle of a global pandemic
15. Hand sanitizer: see above. Also, dorms are kind of gross.

Medications:

1. Ibuprofen: pain relief, anti-pyretic (helps with fever), and anti-inflammatory.
2. Acetaminophen: pain relief and anti-pyretic.
3. Benadryl: itching related to rashes, bug bites, allergies / allergic reactions.
4. Melatonin: can be used to help with sleep (see article on natural ways to improve sleep here)
5. Multi-vitamin: because sometimes free will + college cafeteria = pizza every day.
6. Cough syrup/tablets like Mucinex DM (generic is fine!): there are tons of different brand and generic versions out there. Typically, the ingredients I look for are dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) and guaifenesin (an expectorant that helps loosen mucous congestion).
7. Cough drops: menthol & honey seem to work the best because they actually provide some soothing relief, as opposed to just being sugar drops.
8. Tea bags (ginger, chamomile): soothing for sore throats, nausea, poor sleep, and more.
9. Ginger chews: can help with nausea.
10. Honey sticks/individual honey packets: helpful for coughs and sore throat. Some studies have shown that honey is just as effective as over-the-counter cough medications in reducing nighttime coughing. I know we are talking college kids now, but just a reminder to never give honey to children under the age of one.
11. Icy Hot or other menthol muscle rub: some contain topical aspirin as well, so just pay attention to the ingredients.
12. Loperamide: when you don’t have time for diarrhea.
13. Pepcid/ tums: over-the-counter medication for acid reflux and heartburn
14. Pedialyte powder: can be mixed with water to create the correct balance of electrolytes to help with dehydration.

This med kit does not include any prescription medications, which should be discussed individually with your physician ahead of time. Having a plan about how to get prescription refills is important! I also recommend keeping the following info with the med kit:  

Health Info:

• List of university health center phone #, nearby hospital/urgent care, crisis hotline #
• Insurance card
• Brief health info:
  • Immunization record
  • Listed RX meds + any medical conditions
  • Allergies
  • Primary care doctor name/address/phone
  • Emergency contact info

The Bottom Line: Not all colleges are a short walk away from a CVS or a Rite Aid, and oftentimes campus stores or health centers have limited hours and options, so having supplies on hand is key. Take a med kit.

This med kit can also be used for a car first aid kit, travel first aid kit, and more. Are there any go-to items you keep in your med kit? Comment below!

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