Be ready for colds, injuries, and “I don’t feel good” – even when far from homeMoving out or living away from home for the first time is exciting. So much freedom and adulting to look forward to! But what happens when your child is not feeling well, and you can’t come to the rescue? Help your young adult prepare for inevitable sick days and minor injuries with essentials to provide comfort and relief, giving both them and you, peace of mind.This guide will help you and your child gather some essential items. Spend some time together working on the kit to customize their preferences.Sick day essentialsWhen feeling unwell, it’s nice to have a few essential items on hand to assess your health and provide comfort.Thermometer – A simple-to-use digital thermometer that signals a fever with a colour change or beep and displays temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit.Hot/Cold pack – Versatile to use hot or cold for muscle aches, headaches, menstrual cramps. It can be stored in a freezer or heated in a microwave. Always wrap the pack in a towel or thin fabric to protect the skin and limit use to about 15 minutes at a time.COVID rapid tests – at-home nasal swab tests for quick screeningSurgical masks – to help prevent spreading germs when sick or doing group workHand sanitizer – carry a small bottle to use when handwashing is not convenientElectrolyte tablets/powder – for rehydration during illness or after exerciseEye drops for dry eye – soothing relief after long hours on screens and late nightsFavourite blanket or comfort item – feels like home (even big kids need stuffies)Basic medicine cabinetInclude medications for common illnesses. Having easy access to medicines – day or night – can help manage minor complaints promptly. Most schools have medical clinics and pharmacies nearby for any additional or more serious health needs.Review the instructions and dosing for each item and make sure they are aware of the ingredients to avoid duplication when combining products. Advise them to check expiration dates and avoid using any medication past its expiry to ensure safety and effectiveness.A pharmacist can help you select products that are safe and easy to use and will inform you of any potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Remind your child that they can call any pharmacist for free if they have questions – there’s no such thing as a silly question!Pain and fever relievers – ibuprofen or acetaminophenCold and flu medicinesDay/night combo pack for colds can be helpful, but keep in mind:Daytime formulas may contain decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, which can be stimulating and may increase heart rate, blood pressure, or restlessness in some peopleNighttime formulas often contain antihistamines like chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine which can cause drowsinessCough or sore throat lozengesCough syrup – if it’s something you commonly use at home for relief. Otherwise, it can be purchased as needed at a local pharmacy.Acne treatments – hydrocolloid patches, spot treatments, or prescription productsAllergy medicationFor seasonal allergies or unexpected reactions to new foods or insect bites.Use 24 hour non-drowsy formulas containing cetirizine, loratadine, or desloratadine.EpiPen – if prescribed for severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis; replace if expired. They should teach roommates how to use it in case of emergency.Anti-itch cream – mild corticosteroids like hydrocortisone are helpful for minor rashes, insect bites or other itchy spotsAnti-fungal cream – if prone to athletes foot or jock itchAnti-nausea or motion-sickness medicationGinger tablets can help with mild nausea and do not have side-effectsDimenhydrinate can relieve nausea and vomiting but may cause drowsinessAntacid for indigestion or upset stomachBasic chewable formulas are effective for most situationsAnti-diarrhea medication – useful for individuals with sensitive digestionFirst Aid BasicsBe ready for minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters with a basic first aid kit.Bandages – variety of sizesAntibiotic ointment – apply to cuts and scrapes, after washing with soap and water, and before applying the bandageTweezers – to remove splinters, disinfect before useAlcohol wipes – to disinfect skin, tools, or hard surfacesImportant medical documents and contactsLoad a list of important contacts and images of medical documents in their phone, so they are easily accessible if they need to visit a pharmacy, dentist, medical clinic, or hospital.Health insurance cards– front and back imageprovincial health card (a BC Services Card can be combined with a driver’s license)private insurance plan cardsCopies of prescriptions and drug information handoutsList of medical conditions and allergies, plus any treatment plansDownload London Drugs pharmacy app and link to their prescription profile so they can easily view their list of medications with images, read drug information, or order refillsContact info for doctor, pharmacy, dentist, and on-campus medical servicesVaccinesReview your child’s vaccination record with a pharmacist or doctor to ensure they are protected against contagious diseases such as measles and meningitis – especially important if they are living in residence or other shared housing. Encourage them to sign up for flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics on campus in the fall.Prepare for a healthy school yearWith a bit of preparation in the days leading up to moving out, your child will feel confident handling their basic medical needs or minor illnesses away from home. Remind them that a chat from home is just a phone call away – and so is a pharmacist. Encourage them to phone a pharmacist or visit a pharmacy if they need advice about their health, medications, or treatment for a minor illness.Most pharmacies in Canada offer prescribing services for contraception and minor illnesses such as urinary tract infections, acne, pink eye, allergies, muscle aches, indigestion, and more. Many pharmacists in Alberta can also prescribe treatments for additional conditions including strep throat, asthma, diabetes, and others. To learn more about London Drugs prescribing services by province, visit Pharmacist Prescribing Services – London Drugs Pharmacy.We’re here to support you through every stage of life – providing convenient and trusted care whenever you need it. Call or visit a London Drugs pharmacist to discover how we can help.Related
