When living in such close quarters with dozens of other people, it is genuinely inevitable that you will become sick at least a couple times throughout each semester. It is especially common to get sick in freshman year when our immune systems are not used to being constantly exposed to all these different bacteria and germs.
Tip #1: Get Some Sleep- I know in college, it is seemingly impossible to get enough sleep. However, when sick sleep is insanely important. I'm not talking a couple hours a night or even a nap during the day longer than your entire night of sleep. When you're sick you should probably be getting somewhere near 8 hours a night. Sleep puts your entire body to rest, helping you get better quicker.
Tip #2: Use Medicine- For some reason, at college specifically, taking medicine is such a weird hassle. I guess because our parents aren't there to remind us to take the medicine and what to take, it is strangely difficult to remember to take the medicine. However, take the trip to Walgreens or just open your drawer to take the medicine that will make you feel much better in the long run. I would say to go to the school's medical office, however, that would be the worst advice ever. The school's medical office gives no real help and would most likely give you an ice pack for pneumonia.
Tip #3: Eat Healthy & Drink Fluids- When sick I know how easy it is to just lay in your bed and eat whatever is available. However, you should really try and eat healthy when sick. Specifically, Vitamin C and greens will help you get better quicker and feel much better. When sick, you should really try to avoid dairy and sugar, which does sound horrible, but will make you feel better. Also, eat the cliche sick foods like soup, crackers, and ice pops and drink the cliche sick drinks like ginger ale, tea, and Gatorade. Stay hydrated!!! It is always insanely important to drink water, however, when sick it is even more important!! Heat up your soup, fill up your hydro flask and get in bed.
Tip #4: Relax- I know you probably feel like everyone is out doing fun stuff and your missing out on everything. However, you'll always have next weekend. Just try to relax, watch some TV or movies and just relax. If you're not extremely contagious, invite your friends over, I'm sure they could also use a break from everything and just relax.
Feel better everyone and eat those emergen-c gummies!!!!!
