When You're Sick

First Aid | Over-the-counter Medications | Going to a Doctor's Office | Emergency Care

Eating right and exercising will hopefully prevent illness, and being careful will prevent some accidents. But these things may still happen that can be treated with a well-stocked first aid kit. But you should see a doctor if:

• You have fever of greater than 101° F (39° C) that doesn't get better with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Especially a fever associated with a shaking chill.
• You have severe pain that's unexplained - not caused by a muscle injury, tension headache, or menstrual cramps.
• You're having upper respiratory problems. If you're been coughing for several days, cough syrup doesn't help and your chest is getting sore, or if you're short of breath and can't take a deep breath.
• You have suffered extensive burns or serious cuts.

First Aid Checklist
Have your first aid kit ready, because it's inevitable: Sooner or later, you will get sick or injured, and chances are, it won't be during normal business hours. You'll probably need:

• SOMETHING FOR A HEADACHE: You can get brand names, or buy generic medications, which are generally just as good and a lot cheaper. The ones are acetaminophen (the key ingredient in Tylenol), ibuprofen (found in Advil or Motrin) and naproxin (found in Aleve). Before you buy, read the labels. Some pain relievers do not mix well with alcohol and can damage your liver. Others can irritate your stomach. Aspirin is not good for some people, like flu patients, because it may cause undesirable side effects. Also aspirin goes bad quickly if not used for a long time.
• ANTISEPTIC TOWELETTE: To cleanse any affected skin area before applying some kind of medication.
• ANTISEPTIC & BURN CREAM: For minor burns, scalds, small wounds, scratches, cuts and abrasions.
• ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT: To prevent infections.
• STERILE BANDAGES/PADS: Get a multipurpose box, with a variety of sizes. Cover affected area after cleaning and applying medication.
• COTTON BALLS, TISSUES, SWABS, TWEEZERS AND A SEWING NEEDLE: for splinter removal.
• THERMOMETER
• SCISSORS
• TAPE