Last week, I had the unfortunate experience of falling ill with a rough cold. This made it difficult for me to get assignments done on time, and for me to get to class. This list is for those of you who, like me, seem to get the common cold a little too commonly in college.
1. Make DayQuil Your Best Friend*
I've been using NyQuil for years to help me get to sleep, but I was always a bit wary of DayQuil. I was worried it would still make me tired and drowsy, like many other cold and flu medications do. I also worried that it would make me feel out of it, like other medications. So when I finally tried it a couple months ago to get through a particularly nasty cold, I was pleased to discover that it's a miracle drug. I'm not sure that it will work as phenomenally for you as it does for me, but I couldn't make it through my classes without it!
*Check with your doctor before taking new medications.
2. Try Starbucks' Coldbuster/Medicine Ball-- It Really Works!
This two-tea combo drink has been on Starbucks' secret menu for so long, most baristas know it by heart. Good news, everybody: Starbucks has made this cold-fighting concoction part of their regular menu! This Honey Citrus Mint Tea is made up of one bag of Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, one bag of Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea, hot water, steamed lemonade, and a touch of honey, and I will tell you something, it works wonders. I only heard about this drink a couple of weeks ago when the news broke that it had been added to the menu. When I got sick last week, I remembered the drink, and I tried it. I went in with a fever of 101 degrees, and within an hour of drinking the delicious concoction, there was no fever to be had! Whether that has anything to do with the tea, I'm not entirely sure. However, it tastes amazing, and it seemed to help me focus in class, despite my cold.
3. Let Your Professors Know
This one is pretty important, even if it seems silly to you. Even if you're going to be in class that day, make sure your professors are aware, via email or in person, that you're sick. This sets you up for an easier time of explaining if you need an extension on an assignment, or if you wind up in the bathroom for a couple hours and are unable to make it to class. If your professors know beforehand that you're sick, they are more likely to understand if an assignment can't be finished within deadline, or if you need to push a presentation back a day. I myself had to miss a day of class and push back a presentation. I'm so thankful I told my professor beforehand that I was sick. Because he was already aware of my situation, he was very helpful in accommodating me.
4. Wear Comfy Clothes
Last week, you could catch me in the library wearing pajama bottoms, a sweatshirt, warm fuzzy boots, and no bra or irritating underwire in sight. It was luxurious! Listen, the common cold is rough, and it can be extremely uncomfortable. Between bloating, nausea, a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and then some, there's not much comfort in having a cold. Add that to all those exams coming up and having to study, and your week is about as uncomfortable as you can make it. Comfortable clothes can help alleviate some of the problem. Whether that means looser fitting jeans and a larger t-shirt, or sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt, maintaining comfort when you're sick is one way to help you feel better if those classes and exams simply cannot be put off.
5. Use Face Masks and Tissues
Okay, so confession time. I already take these things pretty much everywhere I go. My dad is a dentist, and for whatever reason, he seems to stockpile surgical face masks in our home. My mom has pretty bad allergies and stockpiles tissues, as well. I myself was very ill a couple of years ago, and had to use face masks in order to protect myself from others' illnesses. If you've got a cold, you're bound to be feeling awful. Why spread that yucky feeling around? Trust me, nobody wants your germs! If you know you're contagious (and if you have a fever, you're probably contagious), or if you're sneezing or coughing, please, at the very least, make sure to bring tissues with you. And always remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow (not your tissue, and here's why).
6. Sleep!
Hey look, it's your favorite word! Sleep is a rare thing in college, but your body needs it to function, especially during a cold. Take a break from that physics homework, or from that 1500 word essay. You'll do better on it when you're well-rested anyway. Make sure you get your eight hours. You're sick, so you need it now more than ever. Even if you don't feel tired, you need rest. Sleep helps the body heal and recover from illness, and it helps you from falling asleep in class the next day, as well. Plus, it's sleep! It's the best thing ever! When are you going to get a better excuse to sleep a solid 8-10 hours in college than when you have a cold? Go ahead, lay your head down on the pillow right now and close your eyes. It's good for you, and you're going to be so thankful you did in the morning!
