University life is full of excitement, new experiences, and, unfortunately, germs. As the school year kicks off and campus life gets busier, the last thing you want is to be sidelined by a cold or flu. Adopting a few simple habits can boost your defences and reduce your chances of getting sick. And if you do catch something, knowing how to care for yourself can make all the difference in your recovery.
PREVENTION
Illnesses like the flu or colds thrive in busy environments like university, so it’s important to take proactive steps and maintain healthy habits to avoid getting sick.
Get your flu shot – it’s free on campus! Student Wellness Services will run flu vaccine clinics during the year. Follow @queensustudentwellness on Instagram for updates on when and where they’ll be available.
Wash your hands frequently. You’ll spend a lot of time in shared spaces like lecture halls, dorms, and libraries, where germs spread easily. Find a method that helps you remember to wash your hands regularly. You could even set a phone reminder to wash up when you arrive home or at specific locations.
Limit sharing personal items. Sharing a drink or borrowing a lip balm from a friend might seem harmless, but these habits can spread germs quickly.
Stay active but listen to your body. Regular exercise is great for boosting your immune system but overdoing it can have the opposite effect.
Fuel your body with nutritious food. Maintaining a balanced diet supports your immune system and overall health. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will boost your immune system!) and lean protein sources.
TREATMENT
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, you can't avoid getting sick. If you catch a bug, managing your symptoms and giving your body the rest it needs is key to recovery. Here are some practical tips to support your recovery and get back to enjoying university life.
Stay home! To prevent spreading illness, avoid contact with others until your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (48 hours if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), you don’t have a fever, and you haven’t developed any new symptoms.
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to lower fever and ease symptoms like muscle aches or headaches. You can also use over-the-counter remedies like decongestants or throat lozenges for relief.
Gargle warm salt water to soothe a sore throat. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water and gargle whenever your throat feels itchy or painful.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle close by and sip throughout the day. Herbal tea, clear broth, and electrolyte drinks are also great options to prevent dehydration.
Sources/References:
Ames, H. (2023, August 25). 10 tips for cold and flu prevention. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cold-flu-prevention
KFL&A Public Health. (2023). Preventing the spread of respiratory infections. https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/preventing-the-spread-of-infection.aspx#cleanyourhands
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