Although the sunshine and 80°degree weather may make us feel immune from sickness, I assure you, we’re not. I personally have gone through three boxes of tissues in the last week and I currently sound like a seven-year-old boy. While it may be too late for me, I have compiled a few important tips I’ve learnedso that you can enjoy a healthy and illness-free autumn.
1. Wash your hands
I know this rule has been drilled into your brain since pre-school, but it’s worth repeating. The simple act of washing your hands can both prevent the spread of illness and protect you from existing germs in the environment, which makes it incredibly important in the fight against sickness. Sud up before eating, after eating, before you use the bathroom, after you use the bathroom, and whenever else you feel the need. It’s never a bad time to wash your hands.
2. Get lots of rest
It’s a Friday night and you’re exhausted and under the weather, but all your friends are going out. You should suck it up and join them, right? Wrong. The Boot will still be there when you recover, and loud techno music and cheap alcohol from frat house vats won’t cure your illness. A decent amount of sleep can do wonders for a cold or virus, so stay in bed and browse your Netflix queue. You won’t regret it.
3. Visit the Student Health Center
If you start to feel the onset of an illness, walk over to the Student Health Center as soon as you can. The wait for walk-in appointments is minimal, and the medical staff is helpful and efficient. Additionally, Tulane’s pharmacy is located on the first floor, so within thirty minutes or so you’ll walk out with a diagnosis, doctoral advice, and all the prescriptions and medicine you need. I know visits to the doctor’s are usually a drag, but the Student Health Service makes it as painless as possible. Don’t hesitate to stop by.