Ah… ah… choo!

This sound echoes throughout the lecture halls, the discussion section classrooms, the dining halls, the dorms, and anywhere on campus where students are present.

Help! I literally can’t escape it. The constant sneezes, deep coughs, and runny noses are rampant on campus, making it nearly impossible to stay clear of getting sick…again.

It seems as though college students, in particular freshmen, are always sick. While I had been warned before leaving for school about the “freshman plague” (yes, that’s different than the freshman fifteen) and how important it is to have hand sanitizer in your backpack at all times, I didn’t realize just how bad it would be.

My hands are so “overly sanitized” that they are flaking. I still managed to get sick within the first week of school, with a brutal cough and later, strep. This naturally lends itself to a severe lack of sleep. I have yet to catch up.

Once I finally got over my hacking cough, my roommate immediately followed in my footsteps. Our small room has never felt smaller. The cycle has continued ever since. Sick, better, sick, better. I feel like I need an unending supply of antibiotics. Z-Pack, you are my new best friend.

Thinking about fall break, so many of my friends left for break not feeling well, hoping they would return to campus well-slept, rejuvenated, and revived. Almost all of my friends went to their doctors over break. I have never appreciated having my own doctor so much.

The CVS Minute Clinic has become my “doctor” at school, and it’s just not the same. There is often a ridiculously long wait. You can sign in, go to class, and still not be up in “line.” From what I understand though, this is still easier than getting an appointment with our University Health Services.

Now that I think about it, there did seem to be about one week when people were actually generally healthy, most likely due to the mild temperatures this particular week. But, soon enough the temperatures started to drop into the 20s and the sick cycle began. That glimmer of hope didn’t last.

To all college students out there, wash your hands, cough into your elbow, and keep your hands off of your face and mouth. For those at University of Michigan, put Zingerman’s in your contacts—they deliver chicken noodle soup.

Also, as winter break approaches quickly, you might as well make your appointments now to see your doctor over break. I’m pretty sure you’ll need it. To all the coughing, sneezing, achy, students out there…I feel your pain. Get well—maybe we can have some peace and quiet back on campus soon.