How to Avoid Getting Sick at College

In the dead of winter, it’s easy to get sick at college. On campus students share lecture halls, study spaces, dorm rooms, and they handle the same doorknobs and sink faucets. Nothing will foil your midterms like coming down with a bad case of the stomach flu. Here are some preventative measures to help you avoid getting sick at college.

1. Carry hand sanitizer. To prevent the spread of germs, use some hand sanitizer after using the computer at the library. For good measure, keep your hands away from your face and eyes.
2. Wear gloves. Gloves will prevent you from coming in contact with many surface germs that could make you sick.
3. Don’t share utensils or water bottles. Besides kissing, one of the easiest ways to get mono is to drink from the same cup or take a bite of your friend’s meal with their fork. Mono could put you out of commission for weeks at a time. Not worth the risk.
4. Get a good night’s sleep. According to a new study, people who get less than seven hours’ sleep are three times more likely to get sick than people who get eight hours’ or more sleep. (Source: Scientific American)
5. Stay away from sick friends. This is one instance in which you have permission to be a fair-weather friend. If your study partner is halfway through the box of tissues and sneezing incessantly, reschedule your study sessions till she’s feeling better.
6. Wash your hands. This may be a no-brainer, but when people are getting sick all around you, upping the ante on your hand-washing can help, particularly before you eat something. Spending an extra few seconds getting your hands sudsy will improve your chances of staying healthy.
7. Exercise! Not only will it help you de-stress, but exercise has actually been known to boost your immune system, helping you keep sickness at bay.
8. Take an online class. Online courses have a flexible schedule with no established location, allowing you to take English 201 from the comfort of your bed.

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