No matter how vigorously we may attempt to stay germ-free, it seems as though once one person gets sick in college, the whole campus becomes infected in a matter of hours. It definitely is not fun to be sick during exam season, so if you find yourself feeling any of these symptoms coming, try some of these simple (yet effective!) remedies to help you recover quickly.
The Problem: Upset Stomach
The Solution(s):
Have some ginger. This root plant helps fight nausea, so keep some ginger tea or ginger chewing candies around. Peppermint tea or mints can also help soothe an irritable belly.
[pagebreak]
The Problem: Sore Throat or Cough
The Solution(s):
To get rid of a scratchy throat or cough, gargle salt water! Stay hydrated by drinking hot decaffeinated tea with lemon and honey throughout the day, and remember what your mom told you when you were little, and load up on Vitamin C. Each night before bed, take a throat lozenge containing benzocaine – the compound numbs your throat slightly, which will help keep nighttime coughing to a minimum.
[pagebreak]
The Problem: Stuffy Nose
The Solution(s):
No Collegiette likes a stuffy nose! Adding a small amount of cayenne pepper to your meals can help clear out nasty blockages.
Water vapor can also help. Take a hot shower, or keep a humidifier in your dorm room – the water vapor will help open up your nasal passage.
To avoid trouble breathing while sleeping, try propping up your pillows and sleeping in an upright position so your nose can drain itself while you sleep. It may sound gross, but it works!
[pagebreak]
The Problem: Headache
The Solution(s):
Headaches often accompany colds when your body is tired or dehydrated. To avoid a headache, drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine, and remember to get some sleep!
Especially when compounded with a cold, stress can lead to headaches, so take the night off, Collegiette! Stay in bed and catch up on your favorite TV shows to calm your nerves.
Photos courtesy of: blog.affinityhealth.org, timeinc.net, nutralegacy.com, healthspablog.org