If you have set foot on the UNH campus within the past few weeks, you have heard everyone talking about the ‘UNH plague’. Unfortunately, it’s that time of year again when everyone starts to get that nasty headache, cough, and runny nose, but with a few helpful tips you’ll survive the cold and flu season with no problem. Whether or not you’ve already caught this bug, these tips will help you stay healthy, fight it off, and help prevent you from getting sick in the future.
First thing’s first, get enough sleep. I know Mom has told you this many times before, but the reason why everyone keeps saying it, is because it works. Being well rested is key to fighting off or preventing sicknesses. During the cold and flu season here at UNH, it is important to weigh your options and do what is in favor of your health. If you are already sick, sometimes missing a class to sleep is your best option. With that being said, make sure you follow up with your professor and catch up on the work you missed so that you aren’t behind when you return.
Second, eat a balanced and nutritious meal. Getting all of you vitamins and nutrients will help your immune system to fight off whatever is going around campus. If you’re eating at the dining hall, make sure to sanitize before and after you go through the hand scanner. This will help you to kill off bacteria, but it will also aid in not spread any germs you might have. If you’re too sick to even get out of bed, it is important that you are still getting enough to eat, so just give your student ID to your RA/RHD and they can go pick up a meal-to-go from the dining hall for you!
Third, along with keeping well nourished, keep yourself well hydrated. As much as we all love our Dunkin Donuts, Aromas, or BNG coffee, water is best to keep you healthy during this time of year. Keep a reusable water bottle with you so you can refill it between classes. From following these three major tips, you should be feeling better in no time!
Now, if you are already sick, sleep, hydration, and eating well are still important, but there are a few other tips that will help speed up the process or at least make being sick bearable.
1. Stalk up on cough drops (Halls cough drops are essentially candy when you’re sick).
2. Treat yourself to a long, warm shower. This will help to clear your sinuses and make it easier to breathe out your nose.
3. Tea with lemon and honey is your best friend for a sore throat, plus the steam from hot drinks will also help to clear your sinuses.