You’ve heard the coughs and sniffles during lecture- flu season is here. Maybe you’re like me and you wince every time the person next to you coughs. It’s so easy to catch a cold on campus, and missing class because of it is the worst. So what can you do to protect yourself for the viruses headed your way? Stock up on supplies!
1. Tissues
Cue the runny noses! Cue the stuffy noses! When flu season is in full swing, you are at risk of getting a perpetually unpredictable nose. Will it drip today? Will I not be able to breathe? Combat your discomfort by stocking up on tissues. Make sure to buy travel packs for your backpack, too. You’ll thank me later.
2. Antibacterial wipes
Antibacterial wipes are your first line of defense during flu season. Use them to wipe down every surface in your dorm or apartment. That includes: door knobs, desks, your sink, soap dispenser, phone, laptop, tablet, TV remote… wipe down anything you touch regularly. This is especially important to do if someone you are living with is sick. If the virus is in your living space, your chances of getting infected sky rocket. Do yourself a favor and go crazy with antibacterial wipes this flu season!
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is from the Gods. It has magical powers like alleviating headaches and opening sinuses. You can buy peppermint oil where essential oils are sold. I swear by using this natural remedy to clear up headaches. Take a cotton swab or cotton ball, drip the bottle of peppermint oil onto it and then rub it onto your temples. It works fast.
4.Disinfectant Spray
Disinfectant spray comes in handy when your roommate gets sick. Spray it in the air to kill whatever bug lurks around after your roommate’s coughing fit.
5. Vicks Vapo Rub
Chest cold? Congested to no end? Smooth Vicks Vapo Rub onto your chest before going to bed- or if you’re desperate, when you get up in the morning. Vicks Vapo Rub clears congestion and smells lovely.
6. Dayquil/Nyquil
This might be a given. You never know when you’re going to get hit by a virus. One day you wake up and feel like garbage, that’s just how it goes. Stock up on Dayquil pills so that when you feel like you’re dying you can still make it through class. I also recommend Nyquil for knocking you out so that you can get some sleep. It does have sleep inducing properties, so if you run out of Dayquil do NOT take this before going to class. You will fall asleep and feel embarrassed when your professor has to wake you up after class ends.
Other tips
-Wash your hands regularly.
-Get enough sleep. Your immune system doesn’t work well if you are exhausted.
-Take vitamins.
-Dress for the weather. When it’s cold out wear your cutest and warmest outfits!
-Make sure you make time for yourself. Mental health is important
I am not a health professional. All of these remedies have been self tested by me. For medical advice, see a medical professional. Here’s to staying healthy this flu season!