So here I am, living that good ‘ol dorm life, with a full load of classes, working a part-time job, writing for two different news-sources, and trying to keep up with friends. Then it crept up on me. At first I thought it was just a tickle in my throat I could easily overcome and then it hit. It hit like Harry and Ron hit Platform 9 3/4 in The Chamber of Secrets. It hit like a ton of bricks.
The ailment. The affliction. The pain. The horror.
The sleepless nights you live through, because your nose will not stop changing which nostril wants leak and your throat has phlegm that will not quit.
And topping everything off, you receive cold stares as you pathetically cough up your lungs in the middle of both classes and chapel.
I understand your pain, as it has been my personal pain for the past couple of weeks.
Have Liquid NyQuil and DayQuil on Hand at All Times
Okay, I know how disgusting these taste. I have actually developed a nervous twitch after taking a shot of liquid DayQuil—I sneeze twice. I know the pain, but when your throat feels like a cheese grater has attacked it, this syrupy concoction of drugs will sooth your throat more than you could ever imagine.
Drink Tons of Earl Grey Tea With Honey and Lemon
I actually drink Earl Grey with Honey on a normal basis, because it tastes like nectar from the gods. So if you live a fortunate life and enjoy this, all you need to do is add lemon! But if you don’t, I am so sorry, but in order to be reunited with the sweetness of health, you need to muster through the momentary discomfort. If you have a meal plan, your Cafeteria will more often than not provide tea bags, lemon, and honey. Health that costs nothing but the swipe of your I.D.
Buy New Cough Drops
I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal, but let me just tell you that my experience with old cough drops this week has been eternally scarring. Before you pop one into your mouth, make sure they’re not older than 2 years. Please trust me.
Stay Hydrated
Constantly be drinking water and Orange Juice. Drink more than you think you need to. Believe me, there is nothing worse than being sick and dehydrated.
Just Cough and Blow Your Nose Already
I understand, it’s awkward. People look at you like you have just yelled vulgar obscenities at children. You’re just sick; don’t feel ashamed of the process to becoming healthy again. Just make sure you cover yourself up, because if you don't, that’s just gross.
Create An Altar Ego
I don’t know about you, but my voice literally sounds as gravely as someone who has been smoking for 45 years. You can either feel awkward about it, or you can rock it! I had two blissful stages of raspiness: at first I sounded like my name should be Madge and I ought to work at a mom-n-pop diner in Chicago, after this stage I sounded like a Jazz-singing, sultry mess. After my first two stages, I came upon the third stage: sounding like absolute death. Enjoy each stage your voice undergoes.
Take Care of Yourself…By Asking Other People To Take Care of You
Sometimes it really sucks having to 'adult.' Especially when you’re really sick. Don’t feel badly if you ask your sibling(s), friend(s), or roommate(s) to help take care of you. Even if they don’t, it never hurts to ask!
I feel as if I am writing this from my deathbed, so if your flu is as bad as mine, follow these few tips and just wait it out! And make sure to stock up on all of the necessities before you get sick!
