It’s practically inescapable. It creeps up behind you, without you knowing, ready to take you out, for one, two, three, plus weeks. You know it’s not Covid, you know you feel fine otherwise, but, for some reason, you just–Can’t. Stop. Coughing.
At Connecticut College, we call it the Camel Cough.
We’ve all been through it, so here are some of our tips on surviving the sickness of the season:
As we face a change in weather, the Camel Cough has come for us all. If you find yourself feeling sick on campus, take advantage of the honey and lemons near the drinks in the dining halls to put in hot water to help your sore throat. And, don’t stop eating and drinking Vitamin C–if you think you’re getting enough from dining hall food, take Vitamin C pills and Vitamin C drink powder!
- Maria S ‘23
As someone currently, very much, dealing with the camel cough, I have found my stash of Dayquil/Nyquil to be an absolute lifesaver. If you do not have any (or whatever cold medicine you prefer), I highly recommend stocking up before you find yourself in need. I also highly recommend tea–the dining hall has some great options! My current favorite is sweet orange tea with honey. Finally, don’t be afraid to put a mask on or go to Student Health Services if needed–as someone very prone to strep throat, I went to make sure I was in the clear because I did not want to give anything to anyone in my classes or on the crew team! I also don’t usually wear a mask outside of classes where I need to, but I’ve been putting one on lately just so I don’t spread germs!
- Caroline Snyder, ‘26
Despite our valiant efforts, Camel Cough has, once again, taken the Connecticut College student body hostage. When I personally start to feel the itchy throat and fatigue begin to settle in, I immediately fortify with chugging a few packets of EmergenC. If this doesn’t do the trick, I combat the illness by taking a couple of naps. If all else fails, I make the trek to Student Health Services in hopes of being given cough drops or some over-the-counter medication.
- Meredith Harper ‘24
Mucinex is my realest friend during flu and cold season, and fortunately, it has never let me down! The Mucinex Cold & Flu All-In-One Daytime and Nighttime are my absolute favorites and make me feel so much better so much faster. I’m a firm believer that the liquid Mucinex works faster than the pill form (this is definitely not true, but something I’ve convinced myself of), but both forms have the same ingredients and have the same effects!
- Marina Jacob ‘25