As a college student, I am always on alert for the numerous viruses and illnesses that rapidly spread throughout campus. By the third week of classes, that one person in your lecture hall who was just sniffling a few days ago is now hacking up a lung, and the people sitting near will most likely suffer the same fate.
Catching a cold is almost inevitable, but with flu season fast approaching, there's much more at stake. I refuse to lay down and let myself become susceptible to the germ-investation that is wreaking havoc on my campus, so I have compiled some precautionary methods in hopes of survival.
1. Be Proactive
The moment you feel that tingling feeling in your throat, take action. Even if you have an assignment that you should probably pull an all-nighter for, go to bed early and let your body rest. Drink fluids, stay calm, and get sleep.
2. Wash Your Hands
Don't be so intense that you scrub your skin away, but get close to that point. Almost every surface in the library has been touched by some student, and that student could potentially be sick.
3. Sleep
I included this note earlier, but I need to emphasize the importance of resting. Sleeping is your body's main method of recovery, and without it, your immune system cannot fight off infection as efficiently. Put the phone down, put the books down, and dream about staying healthy during the semester.
4. Get Your Flu Shot
Do not listen to anti-vaccinators. Although the effectiveness of a flu shot ranges depending on age, getting a flu shot is still proven to reduce your chances.
5. Take in Some Sunshine
The primary function of Vitamin D to serve as an aid in the development of strong bones, but it also helps boost your immune system. If you need a break from studying, consider spending a little time outside.
6. Relax
Don't freak out from the fear of getting sick. Stress weakens the immune system, which will just make you more susceptible to illness. If you're doing everything you can, there's no benefits to worrying about it.
Even if we try we to avoid it, getting sick is sometimes inevitable. The important thing is to take all the necessary precautions so, if you do get sick, your immune system can quickly fight off potential infections. If you get anything from this article, learn this: get some sleep.
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