It's one of the things SUNY Cortland students fear most. It's up there along with midterms, finals, and group projects. The DMV? Not even close. If you guessed the Cortland plague, you guessed right. Nothing strikes fear into an underclassman's heart more than hearing the deep coughs and sniffles in a lecture hall. The line absolutely STRETCHES out of the door at health services. Students sweat furiously, not because of physical exertion (well, at Cortland it's a possibility...), but from their high grade fevers. This illness drags on for days at a time, and always manages to strike at the worst possible time in a student's semester. Three tests, a paper, and a speech due next week? BOOM! You're sick. The Cortland plague has the potential to set a student back in not only their studies, but their overall life. Here's a few tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of this dreaded cold virus:
1. Wash your freaking hands. Seriously.
I know it might seem like a simple task, but it can go a long way. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for a minute. Time yourself by singing the chorus of your favorite song in your head, or just sing the alphabet. See those hand sanitizer dispensers outside of Neubig and Bistro? Use them. They are not just decorations. Sure, your friends might not wait for you. But in the end, you'll be laughing because you won't be sick, and they will be.
2. Bundle up! Throw some layers on.
Running around half dressed in mixer attire may seem like a good idea when you're three natty daddy's deep. However, it is not a good idea. AT ALL. It hit negative fourteen degrees during Valentine's Day Weekend. The amount of girls that I saw walking around half-dressed in tight mini skirts and JUST a North Face/ sweatshirt was NOT okay. If you can afford a five dollar cover, you can afford to coat check a jacket and sweatpants. At the end of the day, getting frost bite because you tried to look cute will definitely not be worth it. Save face, and throw on a real coat.
3. Take in fluids regularly. And no, I'm not talking about hitting Happy Hour.
Water. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAATERRRRR! You need it! Just as much as Spongebob does! Not only will drinking water help boost your immune system, it will improve your overall quality of life. Cut out sugary sodas and all those energy drinks and chug some water. It's been proven that those individuals who consume at least 6-8 cups of water in one day have clearer complexions, sleep better at night, and are more likely to stay slim. So...ladies. Formal season is coming up. And so is spring break. Get a jump on that body for your dress and start chugging water.
4. Cover your mouth when you sneeze.
This. THIS. THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't stress this enough! You literally learn this as a child! I see people sneeze at the nightclub that I work at and they don't even try to cover it! And the sneeze particles fly everywhere. It's disgusting. I cringe. I die inside. I cover myself in hand sanitizer and pray that I don't get your germs. Sneeze into your elbow. I know you'll probably dab while you do it, but it's better to look like Cam Newton than to be sick in bed, sneezing your heart out.
5. Get the flu shot. It's free.
You know how as a college student you get all of these discounts with your ID? Like a dollar off of a sandwich or a movie ticket? At Cortland, you can get your flu shot free. Yes. You read that right, Free. Free. It's offered three to four times a year, right before cold and flu season gets underway. You don't even have to make an appointment. You just walk in with your student ID, and it's all smooth sailing from there. If you're hesitant, bring your friends. You can all hold hands together, and be big kids!
Take these steps, and you'll be on the fast track to staying healthy, and avoiding that Cortland plague. Besides, who wants to be sick in bed while everyone else is being a functioning human being?
