If you live on campus, you have probably heard about the virus that has been infecting a large population of students. Her Campus Stonehill would like to help our peers stay healthy and safe this cold and flu season! Below you will find some helpful tips on keeping you and your friends healthy.
1. Wash your hands!
Keeping your hands clean and away from your face is the easiest way to keep harmful germs from entering your immune system and getting you sick. Get into a habit of washing your hands regularily, even if you didn’t just go to the bathroom. Germs are everywhere!
2. Sanitize door handles and desks
Any hard surface that you regularily come into contact with could be a hot-bed for germs. Take any disinfecting wipe and make sure to wipe down the areas you come into contact with the most.
3. Wash your bedding and clothes
While washing your favorit scarf or sweatshirt often may not be on the top of your list, these items of clothing come into contact with a lot more germs that you think. The same goes for bedding. A good rule is to wash these pieces once a week, if you use them daily.
4. Eat healthy and drink lots of fluids!
Mindful eating can help strengthen your immune system. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals will help keep your system balanced. The same goes for drinking plenty of fluids.
5. If you or a friend is sick, send them home!
This sounds a little harsh, but the reality is, if one person is feeling sick, it can spread like wildfire, especially in a dorm setting. Communal living, like most of us do on campus, makes it nearly impossible to not come into contact with infected individuals. So, if you live nearby, your best bet may be to head on home!
6. Don’t go to class
Your professor will understand, and you don’t want to be “that kid” who got the rest of the class sick!