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Embarking on the college journey is a thrilling adventure for both students and parents alike, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Among them is the inevitability of illness, a prospect that can feel particularly daunting when your child is miles away from home. My friends and I, as seasoned parents of college-goers, have navigated through colds, flu, and even unexpected injuries like an ACL tear. Here's our collective wisdom on how to tackle sickness at college, viewed through both the lens of concerned parents and independent students.

From the Parent Perspective:

Establish Local Connections:

• Before your child sets foot on campus, try to establish connections with locals. Knowing someone nearby whom you can rely on for recommendations, especially regarding healthcare resources, is invaluable. If you don't have personal connections, consider joining Facebook Parents Groups for your child's school/university – this can be a goldmine of information and support.

Communication is Key:

• Have an open and honest conversation with your child about when and where to seek medical help. Discuss the options available, such as the campus health center, Urgent Care, or the emergency room. Ensure they have a copy of their insurance card and understand the procedures for using it. Clear communication lays the groundwork for a smoother response in times of illness.
  
  

Prepare a Medicine Kit:

• Arm your child with a well-equipped medicine kit. A plastic shoebox filled with essential supplements and medicines can be a game-changer. Include items like aspirin, cold medicine, ibuprofen, Emergen-C, elderberry supplements, Benadryl, Neosporin, band-aids, Sudafed, and any specific medications they might need. This proactive approach ensures they have immediate access to basic remedies.

Encourage Independence:

• While concern for your child's well-being is natural, it's crucial to encourage their independence. Remind yourself that part of the college experience involves facing challenges and making decisions independently. Stay calm, offering support without hovering, and trust that you've equipped them with the skills to handle adversity.

From the Student Perspective:

Know Your Resources:

• Familiarize yourself with the healthcare resources available on campus. The campus health center is a primary point of contact for non-emergency situations. Understand when it's appropriate to visit Urgent Care or head to the emergency room. Being informed about these resources will empower you to make timely and appropriate decisions.

Insurance Awareness:

• Take the time to understand your health insurance coverage. Know where your insurance card is located, how to use it, and the procedures for seeking medical assistance. Being proactive about insurance details ensures a seamless process when you need medical attention.

Build a Personal Medicine Kit:

• Create your own medicine kit to have on hand. Include essentials like pain relievers, cold medicine, throat lozenges, and any specific medications you may require. Having these items readily available saves you the hassle of making last-minute runs to the pharmacy when you're feeling under the weather.

Stay Calm and Communicate:

• When faced with illness, remember to stay calm. Reach out to your parents or guardians and communicate openly about your symptoms. Keeping them informed not only reassures them but also ensures that you receive the support and guidance you may need.
  
  

In the midst of navigating sickness at college, the collaboration between parents and students becomes a crucial element. Parents can offer guidance and resources, while students learn to manage their health independently. By approaching this challenge proactively and collaboratively, both parties can ease the anxiety that often accompanies the distance between home and campus. Remember, in sickness and in health, a supportive network is the best remedy.