Getting sick in college can slow you down and wear you out for days. Here are some tips on how to prevent sickness and ways to cope if you're suddenly not feeling so well.
"I really don't want to get sick."
Hydrate
The latest study from researchers at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City concludes that the old standby of eight glasses a day still holds true. However, most people get much less than that. Watch your water intake to make sure you're drinking enough.
Listen to your body
According to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the average college student gets six hours of sleep per night. Eight or nine hours each night is ideal, so if you feel tired, give yourself an earlier bedtime. Your body knows what it needs, so pay attention.
Exercise
Take the long way to class, hit the gym or join a pick up soccer game. Research shows that just 20 minutes of exercise per day can help build your immunity.
Eat right
Eat lousy food and you'll feel lousy. Stop binging on junk food and stock up on food that you know is good for your body. Make sure you eat the CDC-recommended five fruits and vegetables each day to help maintain a healthy diet.
"My roommate is sick. Now what?"
Ask if you can help
It doesn't have to be something major like their laundry. It can be as simple as dropping off homework or picking up some medicine.
Let them rest
If your roommate doesn't get enough sleep, prepare for those 3am coughing fits to last a lot longer. If your roommate is trying to sleep, keep your headphones on and the noise down.
Watch your hands
Your hands are the best place to pick up germs. Keep them away from your face to lower your chance of letting in those germs and remember to wash them before you eat. Sanitize door handles, remote controls or anything you share before you touch it.
Give your system a boost
Keep your immune system strong by staying away from all-nighters, avoiding junk food and increasing your fluid and Vitamin C intake.
"Great, I'm sick. And Mom's not here."
Get more sleep
Chances are if you're in college, you aren't getting enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a lack of sleep can harm you since "the body doesn't have time to complete all of the phases needed for muscle repair, memory consolidation and the release of hormones regulating growth and appetite." If you're sick, give your body a chance to rest and recover.
Try a long hot shower
Moisture from the shower's steam is a great way to reduce throat inflammation and clear your sinuses to ease congestion.
Fluidize
Up your water intake and sip on some tea to make coughing less intense. Chicken soup is also great, as it has been shown to reduce the activity of inflammatory white blood cells that cause colds according to a study from the University of Nebraska Medical Centers.
Spice it up
If you're congested, spicy foods are a great way to unclog your nose. Bust out the curry and cayenne pepper and sprinkle some on your food to help you breathe easier.
Carefully treat your symptoms
If you decide to use medicine, make sure it will treat what you have. Read the small print on the back of the box to make sure you're using the right amount and carefully follow the directions.
Know when to seek professional help.
If rest and home remedies aren't alleviating your symptoms, you may need to see a doctor. WebMD® recommends you seek professional help if you have any of these symptoms:
- Persistent fever or coughing
- Have trouble keeping food down
- Chest pain
- Lingering headaches or congestion
- Painful swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
Getting sick in college can slow you down and wear you out for days. Here are some tips on how to prevent sickness and ways to cope if you're suddenly not feeling so well.
"I really don't want to get sick."
Hydrate
The latest study from researchers at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City concludes that the old standby of eight glasses a day still holds true. However, most people get much less than that. Watch your water intake to make sure you're drinking enough.
Listen to your body
According to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the average college student gets six hours of sleep per night. Eight or nine hours each night is ideal, so if you feel tired, give yourself an earlier bedtime. Your body knows what it needs, so pay attention.
Exercise
Take the long way to class, hit the gym or join a pick up soccer game. Research shows that just 20 minutes of exercise per day can help build your immunity.
Eat right
Eat lousy food and you'll feel lousy. Stop binging on junk food and stock up on food that you know is good for your body. Make sure you eat the CDC-recommended five fruits and vegetables each day to help maintain a healthy diet.
"My roommate is sick. Now what?"
Ask if you can help
It doesn't have to be something major like their laundry. It can be as simple as dropping off homework or picking up some medicine.
Let them rest
If your roommate doesn't get enough sleep, prepare for those 3am coughing fits to last a lot longer. If your roommate is trying to sleep, keep your headphones on and the noise down.
Watch your hands
Your hands are the best place to pick up germs. Keep them away from your face to lower your chance of letting in those germs and remember to wash them before you eat. Sanitize door handles, remote controls or anything you share before you touch it.
Give your system a boost
Keep your immune system strong by staying away from all-nighters, avoiding junk food and increasing your fluid and Vitamin C intake.
"Great, I'm sick. And Mom's not here."
Get more sleep
Chances are if you're in college, you aren't getting enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a lack of sleep can harm you since "the body doesn't have time to complete all of the phases needed for muscle repair, memory consolidation and the release of hormones regulating growth and appetite." If you're sick, give your body a chance to rest and recover.
Try a long hot shower
Moisture from the shower's steam is a great way to reduce throat inflammation and clear your sinuses to ease congestion.
Fluidize
Up your water intake and sip on some tea to make coughing less intense. Chicken soup is also great, as it has been shown to reduce the activity of inflammatory white blood cells that cause colds according to a study from the University of Nebraska Medical Centers.
Spice it up
If you're congested, spicy foods are a great way to unclog your nose. Bust out the curry and cayenne pepper and sprinkle some on your food to help you breathe easier.
Carefully treat your symptoms
If you decide to use medicine, make sure it will treat what you have. Read the small print on the back of the box to make sure you're using the right amount and carefully follow the directions.
Know when to seek professional help.
If rest and home remedies aren't alleviating your symptoms, you may need to see a doctor. WebMD® recommends you seek professional help if you have any of these symptoms:
- Persistent fever or coughing
- Have trouble keeping food down
- Chest pain
- Lingering headaches or congestion
- Painful swallowing
- Difficulty breathing