It’s that glorious time of year again. When the days get busier and the nights grow colder, we all fall victim to symptoms of the common cold and flu; and of course, the true Grinch of winter never has convenient timing. “Who has the time to get sick now a days?” said senior Sonya Shah.
With the holidays upon us, people are more concerned with shopping for their friends and family and less concerned with remembering to take care of themselves. Contagious viruses are obtainable year-round, but it’s during the fall and winter months that our immune systems are at an all time low. Between the stress of the semester ending, earlier mornings and later nights, it’s almost impossible to avoid getting ill.
Bitter cold weather equals spending more time indoors and it’s because of this additional time spent with others that germs spread so easily. The deadly concoction forces us to be more susceptible to getting sick, but that doesn’t mean preparing yourself is a waste. Use these prevention tips to help you boycott the trend.
Number one and most effective: get vaccinated against the flu. The vaccine is available by shot or nasal spray and the best time to do this is during the weeks of October and November, although December isn’t too late.
Washing your hands is one of the most over looked methods of prevention yet our hands are one of the most contaminated parts of our body. Coughing, sneezing, runny nose; its like germ central. All it takes is 15 seconds with hot water and antibacterial soap to kill germs instead of spreading them. Simple healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, maintaining your stress level, etc., are all preventative measures that can help you stay sick-free.
Most respiratory bugs come and go within a few days with no extreme or lasting effects, so nursing yourself back to health isn’t too complicated if symptoms begin to arise.
First off, know your options when it comes to over the counter medicines. “There are so many kinds of cough syrup, I never know which one to get,” said Junior, Emily Hepes.
Have a sneezing, runny nose? Then you’re looking for antihistamines.
Rattling cough? Suppressants should loosen up mucus and do the trick.
What about the unfavorable stuffy nose? Nasal decongestants and a bottle of Vicks Vapor Rub is the way to go. Being educated about the medicines available to you can really help tackle your sickness and shorten its stay.
It’s also very important to remain hydrated with plenty of water and Gatorade. Restoring electrolytes makes you feel better instantly, especially if a fever is involved.
Last but not least, rest. Designated time for lying in bed and watching TV is just as crucial as sleep.
Adjunct professor Stephen Wexler agrees, “It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to take care of yourself. It’s not until you’re already sick you realize ‘Hey, I should probably take a day off.’” Giving yourself and body ample time to rest and recoup is a vital part to curing your sickness. So, when you’re starting to feel a little under the weather this season, remember to stick to traditional remedies and bed rest. Being sick on your days off is certainly no holiday.
