It’s that time of year again. The leaves are falling down and temperatures are starting to drop. Cold and flu season is right around the corner. With that being said, it’s time to prepare for the sleuth of germs that are headed our way. While it is difficult to navigate the difficulties of college as well as making sure to protect yourself from getting sick, I have listed a couple of things that you can do to protect yourself from those pesky germs.
- Emergen-C is a lifesaver
My second year of college, I finally caved and purchased packs of Emergen-C at the nearest Five Below after hearing about how amazing they work. For those who don’t know, Emergen-C is a supplement that you mix with water and drink. It contains high levels of vitamin C which helps protect you from cold and flu viruses as it boosts your immune system. Once the temperatures drop and I start to see more and more people get sick, I start to take this supplement. Personally, I hate the taste of Emergen-C, as it tastes like watered down orange juice but I bite my tongue and just chug it. While it won’t 100% prevent you from getting sick, it helps boost your immune system to fight off these germs. I recommended having some on hand, as they make travel sized packs that you can easily stick in your backpack.
- Be aware of those around you
When college gets busy, we sometimes aren’t aware of what is happening around us. This can easily lead to becoming sick, as someone who you came into contact with could’ve gotten you sick. This is why it is important to be aware of those around you, scanning individuals to see if they show any symptoms of having a cold. I’m not saying you have to avoid them completely, but make sure you leave enough distance between you and them and do not share anything with them. This prevents germs from spreading.
- Get enough sleep
Did you know that the amount of sleep you get actually correlates to how healthy your immune system is? If you are sleeping a healthy 7-10 hours a night, your immune system is generally healthier and stronger. However, if you are sleeping less than 7 hours a night, your immune system will start to reduce the production of antibodies needed to fight off viruses. That’s why getting enough sleep is super important, not just for conquering the day but also to help prevent you from getting sick.
- Dress appropriately for the colder weather
There has been an ongoing debate on whether or not colder weather actually makes you sick. Colder weather, in fact, does make you sick but not in the way that you might think. People assume that being out in the cold actually makes you sick just like that, but it’s a bit more complex than that. Wearing incorrect clothing out in the cold can make it harder for your body to fight off viruses and this is what makes you sick. When exposed to cold temperatures, there is a reduction in effectiveness of immune response. This is because when cold air enters the nasal passages, this makes the mucus and cilia linings less efficient in trapping and moving out viruses. This allows for viruses to pass through our body, therefore making us sick. With that being said, just make sure you are staying warm when outside.
I hope these tips are helpful in preventing you from getting sick. If you do get sick, make sure to get lots of rest and communicate with your family, friends, and professors. With that being said, stay safe and be sure to prepare for the colder months ahead!
