It's the most wonderful time of the year, and that means most of us are bound to get sick at least once this winter. Common illnesses on a college campus include step throat, the flu, the stomach flu, mono, and bronchitis. College is amazing, but it is also like living inside a Petri dish. Illness spreads, and it spreads fast. Here are some tips from your fellow hypochondriac to keep you healthy this winter.
1. Make sure you are up to date on all of your vaccinations.
Seriously, I hate shots as much as this girl, but you'll be thankful in the long run. Grab your housemates, drag them to the nearest CVS, and have some house bonding as you all get the flu shot. And while you are at it, make sure you are up to date on your mumps vaccination as well, in case that decides to make an appearance at your campus...
2. Wash your hands
It sounds simple enough, but so many of us forget to wash our hands or simply choose not to. You are between the ages of 18-22. Please, for the love of God, remember to wash your hands. Your classmates will thank you.
3. Cover your cough and sneeze.
As my housemate would say, practice being a vampire and cough into your elbow. Seriously, do your dab when you need to cough and sneeze, and please don't do it into your hands and then proceed to touch surfaces.
4. Clorox Wipes
These beauties are the best. They kill 99.9% of bacteria and you can use them on practically every surface. It's every hypochondriacs dream. Use them liberally on all surfaces when someone becomes ill in your room or house.
5. Eat Garlic
Your boyfriend may hate you for it, but your immune system will thank you. Garlic has been proven in many instances to help boost your immune system. So, next time you are at the dining hall, grab that garlic butter pasta.
6. And while you're at it, grab an apple...
An apple a day keeps health services away.....
7. Try to exercise regularly
Trust me, I know it's easier said than done. Try to include some kind of physical activity into your weekly routine, even if it's as simple as becoming an old lady and going for nightly strolls. Being active helps your body fight off infection faster.
8. Try to sleep
This would be much easier to achieve if there were no tests, homework, and projects to get done, but try to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. It helps the body fight off infection easier and as a bonus, you will need to use less concealer.
9. If you are going out, wear clothes
We know you want to impress that cute guy at the bar, but please put a parka on. It's below freezing; you should at least put a cardigan on and you can rip it off as soon as you get there. Trust me, when you get pneumonia for not listening to this, I will not feel bad.
10. Stress Less
Stress is inevitable in college, but the more you stress, the more likely you are to get sick. If you are a hypochondriac like myself, the more you stress about getting sick, the more likely you will become sick, and then stressed about getting over your sickness. Take some time to just breathe and relax every day, although I would not personally reccomend practicing yoga on a floating dock like this lady.
