If you're a college student the one thing you can agree on with anyone is that college is basically an all-out orgy for germs. You're exposed to so many more people and the potential viruses and bacterial infections that come with it.
From sharing drinks, to sitting next to the kid about to cough out his lungs in class, to practicing a bit of mouth to mouth, it's no wonder that a sickness can spread like wildfire. It's only worse if you're an unfortunate freshman stuck in a dorm and the girl that started with a mild sniffle has soon infected the entire hall.
There's nothing worse than knowing you still have to push yourself to your 8am or study for a test during the week, when all you want to do is curl in your bed and sleep for a thousand years. But I'm here to tell you that you're not alone in the sick struggle and if you're sick now (like me) there are easy and common-sense remedies that anyone should follow.
1. Drink Emergen-C like your life depends on it.
One little pack of this is loaded with Vitamin C and other minerals to help speed recovery and boost your immunity you desperately will need.
2. Resist the urge to go out on the weekend even if it's lit.
If you're still sick by the time Friday rolls around, do yourself a favor and stay in. Your body will thank you and your friends will understand. Plus you won't have to handle the small guilt of getting anyone else sick.
3. Layers on layers.
Cold weather means cold/flu season. Science has proven that the weather has a profound effect on your immunity and this means it's even more important to dress warmly to fight off that bug.
4. Eat even if you're not hungry.
For someone who revolves their entire day around when they eat, not feeling hungry when you're sick is a bit like a small heartbreak. However, your body needs food no matter what and will help you recover faster.
5. Try not to broadcast how sick you are.
Complaining won't do you much good, especially in college when everyone gets sick. Just dealing with it on your own is enough.
6. Stock up on as much NyQuil as you can.
If you just have a common cold then this medicine is going to be your best friend. It'll help you sleep at night and relieve certain symptoms.
7. The walk to class is usually not worth it if you're sick.
A regular walk around campus exerts practically all of your energy ever when you're sick. Half the time it's not even worth going to class when you're that ill. In times like this just listen to your body (however, if you have three exams you can't miss then I'll pray for you).
Feel better my fellow sick friends! It'll all be over soon.
