By Jess S., Student Health Ambassador
As I sit here coughing up my lungs and surrounded by tissues, all I can think about is how I could have possibly contracted the common cold, again. It seems like my high-stress, on the go, up-all-night lifestyle brings on colds every winter, like clockwork. So this semester I’m trying to beat the cold by making some changes, starting with…
Boosting My Immune System
I’m going to sleep 7-8 hours a night, get adequate physical activity, and eat a healthy and balanced diet all in the name of prevention! Doing these things will boost my immune system and help ward off the common cold. Pro tip: A big part of maintaining a healthy immune system is also stress management. Try to take a little time to yourself each day to relax, your body will definitely thank you!
Showing Some Respiratory Etiquette
In college, we live in close quarters and are usually packed into large lecture halls surrounded by everyone’s germs. Yuck. This winter I’m going to show some respiratory etiquette and cover my nose and mouth with a tissue if I sneeze or cough – preventing the spread of germs to those around me. Pro tip: If you don’t have a tissue, you can always use your elbow to shield your coughs and sneezes. But don’t use your hands!
Taking a Sick Day
If I’m sick, I’m going to just stay home. This way I can get the rest I need while also limiting the spread of germs to the crowds all over campus! You’re welcome.
Washing My Hands
Super obvious and super simple, but my hands come into contact with so many surfaces throughout the day accumulating germs. Pro tip: It’s best to wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 20-30 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (like Purell) are also useful between washes.
SPREAD THE HEALTH: Take precautions against the common cold by washing your hands, showing respiratory etiquette, taking a sick day if you’re showing symptoms, and maintaining healthy sleep, exercise, and eating habits to keep your immune system running strong.
Citations: Moellenberg, Dell Rae. “Cold and Flu Prevention on a College Campus.” Today @ Colorado State. N.p., 28 Sept. 2012. Web. 18 Oct. 2013. <http://www.today.colostate.edu/story.aspx?id=7737>.