Your medicine cabinet and first aid kit

A small, well-chosen kit in your room means you are not walking to a pharmacy with a fever at midnight. This lesson covers what to keep for minor illness; for a full first aid kit, see the First Aid module's kit lesson.

The core medicine cabinet

• An NHS self-care page recommends painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen) for most minor aches and pains, such as headaches and period pain.
• Antihistamines for allergies, insect bites and hay fever; ask a pharmacist for a non-drowsy option if you need to study.
• Oral rehydration sachets to replace fluid and salts lost through fever, diarrhoea or vomiting; the NHS notes they do not treat the cause.
• Anti-diarrhoea medicine for quick symptom control, and an indigestion remedy.
• Sunscreen of at least SPF 30 with UVA protection, which matters as much in a Gulf summer as on a beach holiday abroad.
• A digital thermometer: the NHS fever page says not to rely on forehead strips, glass or infrared thermometers.

Basic first aid items

• The same NHS page lists bandages, plasters, antiseptic, sterile dressings, medical tape, tweezers, eyewash solution and a thermometer.
• Add antiseptic cream for bites and small grazes.
• Keep a few days of your regular prescribed medicines in reserve, especially before holidays when surgeries close.
• For a full list for home, car and travel, see 'Building a first aid kit' in the First Aid module.

Comfort items that make a real difference

• Easy foods: crackers, plain rice, instant soup, honey, tea and bananas, so you can eat something without shopping.
• Squash or cordial and a refillable water bottle, because the NHS advises plenty of fluids for colds, flu, fever and stomach bugs.
• Tissues, a hot water bottle or heat pad (useful for period pain) and a spare phone charger by the bed.
• A small bucket or bowl and spare bedding, which are much easier to find before you need them.

Storing and checking your kit

• Follow the packet and leaflet, and never exceed the stated dose (NHS).
• Store medicines in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children; a bathroom can be warm and damp, so a drawer or cupboard is often better.
• Check expiry dates every few months, and take expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than putting them in the bin.
• Keep medicines in their original boxes with the leaflet, so you can always check the active ingredient and dose.

Buying on a student budget

• Pharmacy and supermarket own-brand paracetamol and ibuprofen contain the same active ingredient as branded versions; compare the ingredient and strength on the box.
• Pharmacists can advise on cheaper equivalents; just ask: 'Is there a cheaper version with the same ingredient?'
• If you need gelatine-free or halal-suitable capsules, ask the pharmacist for a tablet or liquid alternative and check the ingredient list.
• Buy the kit in the first week of term, before freshers' illnesses start doing the rounds.