Wh-Wh-What’s Up, Doc?: Advice for Flu Season

It’s pretty easy to get sick in college. For one, you’re milling around with thousands of other people in pretty close quarters. Then there’s all the stress of doing well and making the grade you need on tests. For some there’s partying, and for others there’s Netflix and pizza binges. But once you start feeling that all-too-familiar sensation, it might be time to get some help.

1)      It’s not always best to fake it ‘till you make it.

Sometimes pushing through is okay. A cold is easy to resolve with home remedies, but strep is not. Know when to fold and go see a doctor.

2)      You aren’t just whining.

This is a big one for me. I seem to constantly apologize when I’m sick for inconveniencing those trying to care for me. When you tell someone how you’re feeling, you aren’t whining. Doctors can only start making you better once you tell them how you feel.

3)      Don’t save any pills for later.

As tempting as it might be to not take all of your antibiotics and save the rest for later, (because hey, you’re feeling better, right?) don’t. It’s important to take the full dose so the medicine ca fully do what it needs to do. Plus, only taking one or two pills later can mess up your immune system and still not do anything for you. BIG NOTE: Never, ever, give anyone your prescribed meds. As much as you think you’re helping that friend with the cold by giving him a couple leftover pills, you aren’t. So just don’t.

Now that the rainy winter is upon us, it’s all too easy to get sick. Make sure you take care of yourself, even if it seems inconvenient. Take the time to get a flu shot, and wear those fuzzy socks to stay warm.

• cold
• health
• winter