It’s that dreaded time of the year again: flu season. For college students, this is nothing short of a pandemic. Universities are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Dorm rooms, in particular, are ideal places for viruses to thrive. Although dorms may provide the best social setup for students, sharing such close quarters can be risky when it comes to staying healthy.
Overhearing sniffles and sneezes coming from your roommate may seem like an inevitable path to the clinic, but there are, in fact, a few ways to avoid getting sick this season.
1. Wash your hands
I know it may seem like an obvious suggestion, but many people don’t understand how crucial washing your hands can be when avoiding the flu. I don’t mean quickly rinsing your hands under some warm water after using the bathroom (you guys know who you are). Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Keeping a small hand sanitizer with you also doesn’t hurt.
2. Be active
Even if you feel like your starting to get a cold and exercising is the last thing you feel like doing, taking a run or even just a walk may make you feel 10 times better. Exercise can help your immune system fight off simple bacteria and viral infections. Being active can also reduce stress, which is a contributing factor to a weak immune system.
3. Relax
College life can be hectic at times, but studies have shown that stress can greatly compromise your immune system. Doctors recommend stepping away from everyday stresses for at least 15 minutes a day. So, take a break; listen to music, read, or meditate.
4. Take a multivitamin everyday
Although they can be expensive, vitamins are crucial for your everyday diet. Vitamins A and D are particularly helpful.
5. Reduce alcohol consumption
Let’s be honest; drinking is often a part of the college experience, but give your body a break around flu season. Studies have shown that heavy drinkers suffer from more cold or flu complications than others. Alcohol reduces the white blood cell count in the bloodstream, which makes it more difficult for your body to fight off disease. So, when out at a party and your throat starts to feel a little scratchy, rethink another beer.
6. Sleep, sleep and more sleep
College students are notorious for running on frighteningly little amounts of sleep. Whether it’s to stay up writing a paper or staying out on Fraternity Row until 3 a.m., they’re not getting a sufficient amount of sleep. If you don’t get at least 6-8 hours of shuteye a night, your body doesn’t fully maintain itself for the next day.
Hopefully, these tips will help keep you flu-free this season. A healthy semester is a good semester.