Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at KU chapter.

You may have noticed that every trash can is full of crumpled tissues, and public spaces have become invaded with violent coughing. Now behind doors, matters are much worse, resulting in fevers, body aches, and a ruthless sickness. The 2017-2018 flu is one of the deadliest it’s been in years. For students especially, exposure is even more serious. Here are 8 things to do to protect yourself from this virus.

  1. Get more sleep. In the winter it’s even more important (and easier to catch some extra sleep with the long, dark hours) to keep yourself well-rested and restored. This helps your body stay strong enough to fight off unwanted bacteria, and also makes it easier to function in general.

  2. Take some vitamins. Vitamin C helps immune function,  Vitamin D helps with magnesium (extra strength) and an overall multivitamin is valuable to the body as a whole.

  3. Drink tea. As a coffee addict, it’s important to supplement my liquid intake with some benefit, and tea is the perfection solution. The heat eases throat pain and the actual tea itself has numerous assets depending on the flavor and type. 

  4. Shower more. Not only does the hot water detox your immune system, it washes off every germ that’s been sneezed, coughed, and launched your direction throughout the day.

  5. Carry around a pack of tissues and hand sanitizer. For your own convenience, tissues can help ease the irritation of excess mucus, while hand sanitizer creates a fresh cleansing sense.

  6. Bundle up. Dress extra warm to protect your outer regions from becoming raw and vulnerable to the elements. This may sound like your mother’s old advice, but take a jacket and hat with you on your way to class.

  7. Eat healthier. Food is medicine, and the more sugar/fried fats you ingest, the weaker your body becomes. Fuel up on fruits, vegetables, and plenty of chicken noodle soup.

  8. And when all else fails, just call your mom. She’s better than any doctor, and will know exactly what to say or do to fix your pain.

 

Madeleine is a senior at the University of Kansas double majoring in Creative Writing and Journalism. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Madeleine spent the last few years of her high school career publishing two books (http://www.lulu.com/shop/m-rheinheimer/project-105/paperback/product-23264977.html + http://www.lulu.com/shop/madeleine-rheinheimer/undefined/paperback/product-22938535.html)  and traveling around the city speaking and sharing with locals. Knowing since the fourth grade that she was destined to be a writer when she grew up, Madeleine enjoys anything that involves creative expression. You can follow her personal blog at: https://illiterateblondes.com