We are closing in on the eighth week of school and flu and cold season isn’t over quite yet. Papers, exams, and class still goes on even when you’re not feeling so hot and with thousands of kids sharing facilities there is really no way to prevent the spread of germs. We all know how scary the medicine aisle is, especially when you’re not sure what you’re looking for. So here are a few remedies for those nasty symptoms that you just can’t kick.
1. If your nose is stuffy or runny and you can’t stop getting up to grab tissues Muccinex might help. It helps decongest but is important to take with food to avoid an uneasy stomach. Try toast or crackers and avoid dairy. It usually works within 24 hours and is an essential contribution to your medicine cabinet
2. Feeling run down? Tired? Or a little queasy? Try oscilliococcinum, oscillio for short. It helps nip flu like symptoms in the butt and tastes like candy. Here’s the website that explains this over the counter miracle and even has a flu and cold tracker http://www.oscillo.com/
3. To be proactive about colds and just your general health take Emergen-C or Airborne. Both mix into water and go down easy. Other supplements that may be beneficial are omega 3-6-9s, Acai tablets, and Gummy Vits (which taste and look like gummy bears). It’s a great way to start your day on your A game and get crucial vitamins in your system.
4. If you’ve got a bad cough and need relief in your chest area try Vicks vapor rub. If you don’t like the feel or the gelly lotion, try the Vicks pads. If you’re looking for extreme relief give tiger balm a whirl, my personal favorite (also relieves sore and pulled muscles!). Just be sure to wash hands before eating and touching eyes!
5. Sore throats are always killer and make it hard to concentrate. Try throat coat, an herbal tea that helps ease and numb the throat. If you don’t care for tea just try warm water and lemon juice or honey, to at least soothe. Sucrets, Ludens, Ricola also help distract from the pain.
6. Tums are always a great staple to have nearby as well. Whether you’ve drank too much caffeine, suffer from indigestion, or have a stomach ache that makes you just feel off; Tums usually helps temporarily. Any antacid will help when you’re already feeling down or when certain foods don’t sit right.
7. With New England on the brink of spring, allergies seem to be a widespread issue throughout campus. Stock up on Benadryl just in case, make sure you get the non drowsy for daytime though! If that doesn’t work make a quick visit to health services. You may have developed a new allergy, which is common in college aged students.
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