Keeping college students healthy on campus

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Across the country, college students are preparing to go back to class and living in dorms. But while it's important to decorate your living space, many students forget some essentials to living on their own. A proper first aid kit can heal the hurt and keep students well; all while providing peace-of-mind for parents all year long.

When purchasing bandages, look for ones with an antibacterial treatment to help prevent bacterial growth and fight infection. Also look for extreme hold. College students need a bandage that moves with them as they run from class to class, bike to the library, work out or play sports.

Research shows that the flu is the third most prevalent illness on college campuses. It thrives on college campuses because students are sharing close quarters, often times don't get enough sleep and may have poor diets. Students need to take extra preventive measures during the cold and flu season.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, encourage your student to keep an antiviral face mask in his or her backpack. Whether in the classroom or at the library, desks and tables often have more bacteria than a toilet seat, 400 times more to be exact.

Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections, so make sure your student follows "good" hand washing techniques, including an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction, and rinsing under running water.

Martie Moore, chief nursing officer with CURAD, visited ABC7 to give more tips to stay safe at school.