With winter soon approaching, we all know what that means – illness season. From common colds to the flu, it is that time of year where everyone gets sick at some point. However, there are ways to prevent this, and here’s how:
1. Wash your hands
We have all heard this one before, but it’s true – the best thing you can do to fight illness is to frequently wash your hands and have good hygiene. You never know what germs other people could be carrying that could possibly make you sick. Thus the best thing to do is to wash your hands as frequently as possible throughout your day. You can also keep a small hand sanitizer in your backpack to conveniently fight off germs.
2. Sleep on sleep on sleep
Another common tip, but for college students is sometimes hard to do. When doctors, or even our parents, tell us to get some rest, we never really take them that seriously, especiallywith finals fast approaching. We always tend to think school or friends come before sleep. However, getting a good night’s rest can make a world of a difference with our physical health. Lack of sleep suppresses your body’s natural abilities to fight off illness. Not only that, but getting more can rest energizes us keeping us active and healthy helping to ward off illness.
3. Get your shots
Although most people dread getting shots, it can be a step in the right direction, especially before the winter flu season. Going without vaccinations can potentially hurt you in the long run. With flu season coming up, it is extra important to get your flu shot in order to stay healthy. College campuses are loaded with germs. Taking the precautionary step of a flu shot will help you even more to avoid getting sick.
4. Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is another important factor when trying to fight illness. Dehydration is one of the top reasons your body isn’t strong enough to protect itself from sickness. Our bodies are made up of 60% water, which contributes to our digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. Thus, we need to drink plenty of water to keep a balance of our body fluids and our bodily functions. Especially after drinking alcohol, remember to drink a lot of water to rehydrate your body keeping it at its best.
5. Take vitamins
You may not think taking a vitamin every day can do you that much good, but you would be surprised. By getting 1,000 mg of vitamin C in your system, you can lessen your cold symptoms immensely, not to mention how much regular daily vitamin C could prevent you from getting sick. if you regularly took some every day. In addition, vitamin A helps you gain immunity to illnesses and makes your colds less severe.
Even if you don’t beat the winter season and you still get sick, the best thing you can do is to manage your symptoms with over the counter medications or see your doctor for a prescription drug within. And as always, chicken noodle soup, fluids and rest are your best friends through the tough days of being ill. If all else fails, just remember spring will be here sooner than you know it.