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Some ways to prevent sickness this cold season
What’s icky, annoying, and nearly impossible to avoid if you live on a college campus? A cold or the flu. No matter where you walk—to class, to the library, to the dining hall—you’re interacting with other people and, quite literally, picking up what they’re putting down. Gross! It’s no wonder that students all get sick around the same time. And, pair contracting a cold or flu with the stress of school, and you’ve got a sickness that can’t be shaken. When it comes to getting sick in college, prevention is key because once you have it, you can’t get rid of it. Luckily, we’re pretty experienced in the art of avoiding the inevitable and we thought we’d share some of our anti-sickness advice with you:
Don’t touch your face
Bacteria and viruses are often transmitted through micro-droplets from when people cough and sneeze. People usually can’t see these droplets, which can be on just about any surface! When you brush your hands on these surfaces, the droplets can adhere to your hands. When you touch your face with infected hands, you’re giving the germs an easy way into your body, which is pretty gross. With that in mind, it’s impossible and impractical to constantly wash your hands, but it is a good idea to avoid touching your face at all costs. And, if you must, use a tissue or napkin!
Wash hands with antibacterial soap
Whenever you use the toilet and before all meals, be sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap to prevent the spread of germs. Use warm water and lather the soap all over hands and wrists for a full twenty seconds to really prevent the spread of germs. If you can’t wash hands before you eat, then use some hand sanitizer, which is better than nothing!
Get some fresh air
People spend so much time indoors where the air is constantly being circulated. Just think, when you’re sitting in the library and class all day, you’re breathing in germs, allergens, and stale air all day! Don’t put your body through the stress of having to inhale and filter out indoor air when you have a world of fresh air right outside your door! Take breaks to go outside and enjoy the outdoors when you get a chance; even a good 15 minutes can make a difference! Additionally, your body could do with the vitamin D from the sunshine! Get outside!
Eat fruits and veggies
Yes, you’re in college and healthy eating isn’t always at the front of the brain! But, trust us, Ramen noodles and pizza aren’t going to help your body fight off illness. Try to eat as many fresh fruits and veggies as possible. Some known to ward off the cold and flu include oranges, spinach, kale, broccoli, blueberries, and apples! All of these are packed with nutrients, like Vitamin C and antioxidants, which help the body fight against illness and keep us feeling good year round. Oh, and they’re all pretty delicious when prepared right!
Take vitamins
Okay, so you’re a broke college student who can only afford ramen noodles and pizza, we’ve all been there! Consider taking a multivitamin that contains vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium, all of which are necessary for your white blood cells and T-cells to combat harmful pathogens. If you’re feeling fancy, get the gummy ones! But remember, even if they’re yummy, gummy vitamins aren’t a snack!
Exercise!
Your school likely has a gym that students can use free of charge, so take advantage of that! During the winter, it’s sometimes too cold for students in states further north to participate in outdoor exercise. But thanks to campus gyms, students can get fit year round! Exercise works to prevent sickness in quite a few ways. First, the activity boosts the immune system overall. Second, it aides against depression, which too many college students suffer from, especially during the winter; depression leaves people more vulnerable to colds and the flu for quite a few reasons! To keep your body healthy and free from sickness, exercise on the reg’.
Follow our above tips to keep safe and healthy this winter. It’s hard to avoid sick people, but by taking a few extra steps to keep your body safe from germs, you can steer clear of the cold and flu this year! Again, prevention is much more helpful than attempting to treat your sickness once you contract it. Luckily, with some healthy eating, fresh air, and exercise, you should be good to go!
As always, if you’re on the lookout for some super cute college apparel or campus t-shirts to sport to any class, or to even wear at home when you’re sick given how comfortable our clothes are, shop with Barefoot Campus Outfitter! We have you covered during the cold months!