Trigger Warning: Mentions illness, flu symptoms, and vaccines. Includes general advice from a non-professional, using information from medical sources.
Well, it’s that time of year again. Constant coughing in your lectures, missed classes, and sick roommates. It’s my personal least favorite time at UMass, mostly because without fail, I am always getting sick. Over the years, I would like to say that I have built up an immunity to the flu, and I owe it all to my personal guide to fight the flu at UMass.
So without further ado, here are my tips and tricks to not get sick this semester (you’re going to need it):
My most important tip is utilizing the flu and COVID-19 clinics held by University Health Services multiple times during the semester. The Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC), in partnership with the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, hosts annual Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics every fall; they even have mobile clinics!
It makes it so easy; you don’t have to deal with long lines or traveling home to be seen by your doctor, you can get it right on campus.
According to University Health Services, those “with insurance plans issued outside of Massachusetts may have vaccine coverage under state requirements in their home state. However, coverage may vary depending on the insurer and policy.”
Additionally, regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, Mass.gov states, “Massachusetts residents with Massachusetts-based health insurance plans will have coverage, consistent with state requirements that insurers cover all state-recommended vaccines at no cost to members.”
You can find a full list of clinic schedules on the (PHPC) website. They usually run from the beginning of September to December.
As the semester progresses, I somehow always end up a little sick and battling a cold (coincidentally, it’s usually right after Halloween). My favorite hack when I’m really sick and don’t feel like leaving my bed is the “Get Well Meals” from the dining halls. I shamelessly take advantage of these by making my roommate fetch them for me. It’s a super easy process!
All you do is go to the UMass Dining website and search for “Get Well Meals.” There, you’ll find the contact information for the management at each dining hall. Then, call or email the location closest to you to request a sick meal. These meals are awesome; they include everything from the soups of the day to hot tea, crackers, and Jell-O. When you go to pick up the meal, or if a friend is going for you, make sure to bring your UCard or give it to them to use at pickup.
A major way to fight the flu, especially at UMass, is to practice good hygiene.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the best preventative measures are always:
- Washing your hands for 20 seconds using soap.
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Staying home when you are sick.
I know it’s hard staying healthy, especially at a school as large as UMass, but with some of these tips, I hope we are all able to avoid the worst of it this season!
Can’t get enough of HC UMass Amherst? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, listen to us on Spotify, like us on Facebook, and read our latest Tweets!