Influenza Prevention: Tips for College Students

Flu season is here with force, and as the Spring Semester slides into high-gear, it’s important for college students to spend as much time on their health as they do on their studies.

Let’s face it: College students have a lot on their plates and don’t always get enough sleep, make healthy food choices, or take time to exercise, which means they might be putting themselves at risk for illnesses such as the flu. Especially in a college environment, where people work and live in close quarters, it’s important for students to take preventative measures or take action when they feel sick.

The Centers for Disease Control describes flu symptoms as follows: fever or feverish chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea. If this does not sound like fun, then please take the following steps to prevent and/or treat this illness:

• Stay away: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Limit interaction: If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible. That might mean taking time off from class or work. Your professors or employers should understand.
• Seek help: If symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical care.
• Gesundheit: Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Throw tissues away after use.
• Wash your hands: As often as you can, please wash your hands with soap and water. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Don’t touch: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Keep clean: Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Be kind to yourself: Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated.
• Get the flu shot: According to the CDC, flu season starts in October and can last as late as May – the flu shot is still available in some local pharmacies.

To learn more about prevention and treatment, please visit health services.