Tips on Maintaining Health While at School

Promoting Student Health Through Cleanliness: Every student living away from home should have access to basic cleaning supplies. All-purpose cleaning supplies are essential when students or their roommates are sick, as they help prevent the spread of germs. This is especially important during seasons when respiratory illnesses are common and easily transmitted. Regularly wiping down shared spaces and frequently touched surfaces—such as light switches, doorknobs, and countertops—can help kill germs and reduce the risk of infection.

When Illness Occurs: When one student gets sick, germs can spread among roommates. Cleaning high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and shared bathroom/kitchen areas is critical.

Seasonal Illnesses: Fall and winter months bring higher rates of respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID-19. Prevention through hygiene is often more effective and less disruptive than recovery. Encourage students to make surface cleaning part of their weekly routine, especially in shared spaces.

Sleep Hygiene: It is recommended that students try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. Ear Plugs can help to reduce environmental noise and help students get the sleep they need.

Suggested items to bring with you to campus

First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is a practical tool for handling minor injuries and illnesses that can arise in a residence hall or on campus. They can be customized to include personal items and will help address issues without needing to go to the Campus Health Center for every minor ailment and should include:

Adhesive Bandages: Assorted sizes and shapes for different types of injuries.
Digital oral thermometer: A thermometer is key to deciding between a day in bed or a visit to Campus Health Services.
Gauze Pads or rolls: Sterile gauze pads for larger wounds or to cover bandages and gauze rolls for securing bandages or providing compression.
Adhesive Tape: To hold bandages in place.
Antiseptic Wipes or Solution: To clean wounds and prevent infection.
Tweezers: For removing splinters or small objects.
Scissors: For cutting tape or bandages.
Hot/cold packs: Cold compresses can temporarily relieve minor pain by numbing the affected area, reduce swelling and inflammation and reduce bleeding. Warm compresses bring more blood to the area where it’s applied, reduces joint stiffness and muscle spasm and helps resolve inflammation.
Compression wraps or elastic bandage: Helpful to wrap up and apply compression to an injury.
Disposable masks and gloves: Will help to reduce the risk of spreading or catching an illness if you or a roommate is sick.

Hand Sanitizer: Public restrooms, residence halls, and classrooms can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Hand sanitizer stashed in a backpack can be used when soap and water are not available.

Insurance Card: Have your insurance information available.

Over-the-Counter medications: Over the counter (OTC) medications are helpful for minor aches or illnesses. Always check with your health care provider or pharmacist before using OTC medications and if symptoms are not relieved or worsen follow up with the Campus Health Center or your primary care provider. Always read and follow the instructions on the medication labels. Be mindful of expiration dates and discard outdated medications. To make an appointment call 302-857-6393.

Pain Relievers: Whether Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen), or Aleve (naproxen), students should pack an ample supply. Headaches can be lessened by any of these. Acetaminophen is better for flu-related aches and pains. Ibuprofen is more effective for sports injuries as it also reduces inflammation.
Antiseptic or Antibiotic Ointments: A topical ointment like triple antibiotic ointment is useful to have nearby for cuts and scrapes. Hydrocortisone cream helps with itching and skin irritation.
Allergy Relief: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can tackle everything from seasonal allergies to bug bite reactions but does cause drowsiness. Zyrtec and Claritin are options for daytime use.
Stomach Support: Belly issues are high on the list of common college ailments. Pepto-Bismol neutralizes stomach acids and can calm an upset stomach. Imodium can be useful for diarrhea or gastritis (stomach upset) but should not be used when vomiting. Students with a history of heartburn or reflux should keep Tums or other antacids nearby.
Vitamins: Students can have erratic eating habits at college, so a daily multivitamin can help bridge nutritional gaps.
Cold and Flu: Decongestants for nasal congestion, cough suppressants for dry coughs, expectorants for loosening mucus and cough drops for sore throats.

Prescription Medications: Prescription medications should be included in the college moving supplies. Keep the medication in its original container, with the original label attached. Bring at least a 2-3 month supply so there is time to figure out how to get refills and consider transferring the prescription to a local pharmacy. If you use an Epi-Pen or an asthma rescue inhaler, make sure you always keep it with you!

Shower Shoes: Athlete’s foot and plantar warts can be quite painful. They are spread via shared showers, where fungi and viruses grow easily on moist tiles. A pair of rubber flip flops worn in public restrooms and shower stalls can go a long way in keeping feet protected.

Sunscreen and insect repellent: Campus life is filled with outdoor activities; sunscreen is essential to prevent skin damage and insect repellent will help prevent bug bites.

Recommended products to Keep on Hand

All-purpose cleaner or disinfectant spray
Disinfecting wipes
Paper towels or microfiber cloths
Hand sanitizer and hand soap