5 Ways To Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

By Daphne Britt on December 3, 2016

As college students, we hate getting sick. It’s even worse during the cold and flu season (which is happening right now as we speak) as many people are at risk of getting sick. Even though we are constantly hearing the many do’s and don’ts in terms of daily sanitation, it’s still a struggle of common curtsy and common sense. As we are constantly on the go and coming in contact with germs everywhere, it’s important to be mindful. To help us during this holiday’s season I’ve come up with 5 ways on how to stay healthy during cold and flu season!

Be Considerate of Others

Image via ecolab.com

When you’re on the go, on campus, or even out in public and you feel a sniff or cough coming along, you have the opportunity to prevent others from coming in contact with germs. How, do you ask? By being considerate such as covering your mouth into your elbow when you sneeze or cough instead of your hands, so that you’re not touching objects or people you come in contact with.

According to JoAnne Viviano from dispatch.com, “Health care professionals say it is the best way to prevent spreading these contagious illnesses.”

Another way to be courteous is by avoiding the impulse to rub your nose, eyes, ears, or mouth, but if you do, don’t worry just make sure to sanitize or, even better, wash your hands thoroughly in warm water.

Be Cautious

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Your immune system can only do so much, so help out by being aware of what you touch or who you come in contact with. Watch what you eat or drink, be mindful of others that are around you who are sick, and be aware of what you touch or come in contact with.

Whenever you touch door handles, grocery carts, or an individual’s hand while out in public it’s always important to use alcohol-base hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap in warm water. For college students getting a cold or flu is not acceptable, especially if you’ve already used up all of your free absences for your classes. As we all know, that germs are everywhere.

Clean Everything

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I’m against touching unsanitary objects or being within an unclean area, since I have a low immune system. Being virus free not only means being aware of what you touch in public but also what you touch within your home.

Just as you want your hands to be clean, you also want your house to be clean. To do this it’s best to disinfect and sanitize every section of your home such as the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms.  Also don’t forget to clean the main objects you touch daily such as your cell phone, laptop, any other electronic devices, light switches, door knobs, etc.  But most importantly make sure you wash your hands with soap and in warm water.

Take Care of Yourself 

Image via greatist.com

This advice is the most important piece of advice I can give, as it will not only keep you healthy but also prevent you from getting sick. As I stated before, our immune systems can only do so much, so help out! You can do this by eating healthy foods, remembering to take your daily vitamins (i.e. vitamin C), stay active, see your primary doctor, and most importantly drink plenty of water. Another way to help prevent you from getting sick is by having a positive attitude throughout the day.

According to Shawn Gakhal from chicagotribune.com, “Negative thoughts and expectations, or worrying about being sick, can magnify our symptoms, which serves as a sort of reverse placebo effect, known as the ‘nocebo effect.’”

However, if you do get sick make sure you drink plenty of water or tea, take your medicine, and eat soup, because just as my mom always tells me, it will make you feel better.

Get Checked Up

Image via today.com

It’s always important to schedule your yearly checkups for a flu shot, especially during cold and flu season. Not only is it best for you, as it helps prevent you from catching the flu, but it also gives your love ones a peace of mind knowing you will be okay.

If your condition worsens always see a doctor to receive proper treatment regardless of how small your condition may seem (i.e. a headache or sore throat). This is both essential and important because as citizens it’s our duty to constantly be up to date with our vaccination shots and yearly checkups.

 

With helpful ways to help us all be better at taking care of ourselves during the influenza season, it will not only help us be healthy, but most importantly prevent those around us from getting sick as well!

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