Stock Your Dorm Room With These Essential Medical Supplies

If you are living away from home while attending college, you will want to be sure that you have everything you need to take care of the minor illnesses and injuries that will inevitably crop up. Most likely, you will have access to a student health center, and the doctors at South Tampa Immediate Care are available every day to provide non-emergency urgent care services in Tampa, Florida. Even so, it is a good idea to stock your dorm room with basic medical supplies, just in case.

Here are some essential items to include in your college first aid kit:

Thermometer

You should not attend class if you have a fever. If your body temperature exceeds 102.2°F or your fever is accompanied by a severe headache or stiff neck, should seek medical attention right away. Otherwise, if your body temperature is between 100.4°F and 102.2°F, you should rest comfortably in your room and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You can also take an over-the-counter (OTC) fever reducer as directed on the label. Continue to monitor your temperature and return to class only after you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication. If your low-grade fever lingers or you have other coronavirus symptoms, such as a persistent cough, you may want to seek COVID-19 testing.

Fever Reducers & Pain Relievers

Readily available without a prescription, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be useful in many ways. In addition to fevers, these OTC remedies can help relieve headaches, muscle pain, backaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and other minor aches and pains.

Cough Suppressants

It can be helpful to have a nighttime cough syrup on hand when you are recovering from a cold and have a nagging cough that is keeping you (and your roommates) awake. Cough drops can help soothe a tickle in your throat and keep your cough at bay while you are attending class or taking an exam.

Antiemetics for Nausea & Vomiting

OTC antiemetics such as bismuth subsalicylate can help relieve many forms of gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and heartburn. Antiemetics work by reducing inflammation, slowing the flow of fluids into the intestines, and destroying bacteria that are causing an upset stomach—which many college students experience after eating on the run, indulging in late-night pizza, or drinking too much coffee to stay alert.

Bandages, Cold Compresses & a Heating Pad

Include an assortment of adhesive bandages for protecting minor cuts and scrapes, along with some wrap-style elastic bandages for compressing injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises. A cold pack can help reduce swelling and ease pain, while a heating pad can promote blood circulation and soothe menstrual cramps and sore muscles.

Prescription Medications

If you have a chronic condition, such as asthma or allergies, be sure to include enough medication to last until your next visit home. Or, consider transferring your prescriptions to a pharmacy near your school.

For more tips on how to stay healthy while attending college, contact or visit South Tampa Immediate Care. We offer a full range of non-emergency healthcare services on a walk-in basis in Tampa, FL. You can also save time by entering our waiting room remotely.