Tips for avoiding the back-to-school flu
It’s time to go back to school, which unfortunately means it’s also time for us all to fight off the back-to-school flu. After a summer out in the sun, probably with a relatively small group of people interacted with daily, our immune systems aren’t prepared for a winter at a school filled with thousands of people whose germs we aren’t used to. I personally hate getting sick, so I’m doing everything I can to stay healthy. These are some of the things I’m doing to avoid having the added stress of sickness on top of the usual college stresses.
- Wear a mask!
I know it seems obvious, but I’ve been wearing a mask all week and I’ve gotten a lot of odd looks or people asking if I’m sick. On the contrary, I’m quite healthy and just trying to keep it that way! Wearing a mask when you’re in highly populated areas, like Memorial Union, can help you have less exposure to germs that could get you sick, while also preventing your germs from getting other people sick. I don’t wear it when I’m in small groups, or around people I’m always with–just in big crowds and things like that. Wearing a mask is an easy, cheap way to protect not only yourself but also those around you.
- Take your vitamins!
At the risk of sounding like my mother, taking vitamin supplements can actually do a lot to keep your immune system strong! Whether it’s a multivitamin or a combination of individual pills, taking supplements like vitamin C, lysine, vitamin D (especially in the winter) and zinc can help boost your immunity and keep you healthy, which makes you less susceptible to viruses.
- Get your shots!
This is one that I personally struggle with because I do NOT like needles, but unfortunately it works. Getting your flu shot and staying up to date on your Covid vaccine are proven to lower your risk of getting sick, and also can keep you from getting seriously ill if you do get sick (Mayo Clinic). Cases of Covid-19 in people who are vaccinated are generally milder than those who are not (Mayo Clinic).
- Hands, elbows, et cetera
Just common sense stuff, folks. Wash your hands often. Cough into your elbow. Try not to spit or sneeze directly on other people. Stay hydrated, and if you’re sick, don’t come to class.
I know I probably sound like a broken record at the beginning of every semester, but keeping yourself and others healthy is often quite simple! For your own benefit, as well as everyone else’s, please consider doing some of these things. Getting sick sucks, and I don’t know any college kids who want the added stress of trying to do their homework while taking Dayquil. Being proactive can save you–and everyone around you–a lot of trouble. Let’s keep our fellow Bison healthy this year, and have a great fall!