For Parents
Helpful Hints
What to send with your student
- Up-to-date copy of immunizations
- Insurance card (or copy) - both insurance and prescription cards - carry with you at all times.
- Know: allergies, chronic health conditions, current medications
- Emergency contact number
- Name and address of home physician
What to put in a first-aid kit
- Wound care - various sized Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic and/or alcohol wipes
- Digital thermometer
- Hand sanitizer
- Pain reliever/fever reducer (acetaminophen/Tylenol, ibuprofen/Advil, naprosyn/Aleve)
How to stay healthy
- Wash hands frequently
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Disinfect high use areas like phones, door knobs, and light switches
- Get adequate sleep (8 hours per night)
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Get regular exercise (at least 30 minutes, 4-5 times per week)
Cold vs. flu
Flu symptoms:
- Fever with temp ≥ 100.4°
- Abrupt onset of symptoms
- Pronounced cough
- Associated nasal congestion and muscle aches (myalgias)
- Possible nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Cold symptoms:
- Lower grade fever generally ≤ 100.4°
- Gradual symptom onset
- Milder cough
- Nasal congestion/no muscle aches
Send a flu pack to school this semester, including:
- Thermometer
- Kleenex
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or Naproxen (Aleve) for pain and fever (not aspirin)
- Antitussive medication to stop cough containing dextromethorphane Guaifenesin (examples: Robitussin DM, Delsym, Mucinex DM)
- Decongestant to unstop nose if no history of stroke, insomnia, high blood pressure
- Hand sanitizer
- Clorox wipes with bleach
- Gatorade, soup mix, bottled water
- Stay home if you have flu symptoms until you no longer have a fever for 24 hours and no longer requiring fever reducing medicines(Tylenol, Advil, etc.)
To avoid getting sick or spreading germs to others:
- Maximize your immune system by getting adequate sleep (8 hrs/night), eating well, and exercising regularly
- Wash your hands before touching eyes, nose, mouth
- Stay 2-3 feet away from someone actively coughing or sneezing
- Cover your cough (sneeze or cough into your elbow)
Health insurance - is my student covered while at UK?
The best answer we can give is "maybe." We recommend that parents contact the health insurance company to inform them that their student will be attending the University of Kentucky and inquire about any coverage issues. Students need to have their own insurance card and bring it with them to facilitate quick pre-certifications for referral appointments, emergency room visits and treatment not provided by University Health Service.