How to Avoid the Sewanee Plague

As I sat surrounded by tissues and bottles of Nyquil and nasal spray, cuddling my laptop while moving into the fifth season in my Grey’s Anatomy marathon, I realized that as much as I had tried to avoid it, I had succumbed to the Sewanee Plague. I don’t know why I was surprised, seeing as both of my suitemates were already coughing up their lungs next door and my friends on the other side of the hall hadn’t moved from their beds in a good three days. So whether you’re just surrounded by plagued friends or if you already look like death and are on your sixth batch of ramen, here are a few tips.

• The key to avoiding the plague is all about preventative measures. Whether its Airborne or EmergenC, and I know they both taste absolutely terrible so the choice is a tough one, vitamin C is a huge boost to your immune system.
• Sleep is super important as well, and it also makes a huge difference in how fast you get better if you’re already sick.
• I know this isn’t the most fun advice I could give you, but if you’re starting to feel gross, taking a weekend off does wonders. Or if we’re being realistic, taking at least one night off.
• If your roommate is sick, you have quite the battle ahead of you. Living in a large closet can have its downsides, so just keep taking your ZiCam or whatever else works for you, get plenty of sleep, and keep your fingers crossed.
• Also—and I really hope this is not news to anyone—wash your hands.
• If you’re already sick, my best advice is to go to health services sooner rather than later. This way you can get diagnosed and tackle your illness as soon as possible, which means you feeling better and less people catching whatever form of the plague you have. Trust me, your hall will thank you.
• Also, secret fun fact: you can order sick meals from McClurg for pickup. You can order breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner, and yes, dessert is included. Just fill out this order form! 
• Stay plague-free everyone, and for those of you who aren’t, feel better! YSR