Getting a cold or the flu is not fun at all; your head feels full of gunk, your body aches and the fatigue might even keep you in bed all day. Unfortunately, whenever we go to class, we are constantly exposed to other people’s germs, increasing our chance of getting sick. However, infection is not guaranteed! Keeping your body and immune system healthy this cold and flu season might just help you avoid getting sick. Make sure to check out some of our tips and tricks below.
- Get the Flu Shot!
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Getting the flu shot not only helps you avoid getting the flu, but it also helps to protect others around you from infection! Plus, flu shots are available at Walgreens and are free through University Health Services.
- Stay Active & Eat Right
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Making a habit of moderately exercising and getting the nutrients your body needs can also minimize your chance of infection. According to NIH’s MedlinePlus, exercise may help to flush bacteria out of your body, which could reduce your chance of getting the flu or a cold! Exercise has also been shown to slow down the release of stress hormones, which can protect against illness.
- Get Good Sleep & Listen to Your Body
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Keeping a healthy sleep routine is also important in keeping your body healthy. According to Mayo Clinic, a lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become infected upon exposure to a virus. So, make sure to get a good night’s rest and if you’re feeling exhausted, listen to your body! Prioritizing a healthy sleep schedule this cold and flu season could help you avoid getting sick.
- Reduce Stress
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According to Harvard Health Publishing, your bodies’ stress response has been shown to suppress the immune system, possibly increasing your chance of getting a cold or the flu. So, though reducing stress might feel impossible with what seems like a constant influx of homework, projects and exams, keeping your stress levels low is a great way to stay healthy.
- Wash Your Hands!
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Though this seems like an obvious tip, it’s a good one to remind ourselves of! With constant exposure to germs comes a greater chance of exposure to infection. WebMD suggests scrubbing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more. Hand sanitizer will work too!
Keeping your body and immune system strong is a great way to stay healthy and avoid infection this cold and flu season! So if you’re not sure about what you can do to prevent infection, make sure to keep these ideas in mind.