Getting sick this time of year seems inevitable. From commons flu to your average stomach bug, sickness is here to take out every Vandy Student. To help you stay healthy or get over your current sickness, I’ve created a list of preventative measures you can take to keep your immune system functioning at its best! Here are 7 tips to help you stay healthy and get over being sick.
-
Eat fruits and vegetables
What you put in your body is always important, but it’s especially important during flu season! Antioxidants (including vitamins C & E), bioflavonoids, glutathione, and phytochemicals all keep your immune system strong. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will ensure you’re getting all those nutrients you need to fight infection. You should also be conscious of how much concentrated sugar you are consuming because it impairs the immune system’s response time & effectiveness.
-
Stay hydrated
Drinking water will help you stay healthy, but, if you do get sick, know that chicken noodle soup is not just an old wives tale! Fluids—like chicken noodle soup, hot tea, and water—will help to thin mucus and prevent dehydration. In fact, both green and black teas contain potent antioxidants that will also help boost your immune system.
-
Wash your hands (and don’t touch things that you don’t need to)
Did you know that viruses are most often transmitted via hands? Keep your hands away from your face, avoid touching doorknobs and other frequently touched surfaces, and wash your hands frequently, especially before meals. By washing your hands, you rinse away the disease-causing germs, so sing the abcs and don’t shy away from soap & hot water this flu season!
-
Exercise
There are many general benefits to exercise, including lower stress, improved mood, and augmented brain function, but did you know that it can also help prevent sickness? Exercise has been proven to help stimulate the immune system and promote healthy sleep!
-
Change your toothbrush
Whether you’ve been sick or not, fungus and bacteria can grow in the bristles of your toothbrush and lead to infection. Dentists recommend you change your toothbrush every 3 months, and you should always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. (Look for biodegradable ones to lower your economic impact!)
-
Get a good night’s sleep
Yes, I know we’re in college and this may seem impossible, but don’t brush past this one. Lack of sleep will lead to inflammation and weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to bacteria and infections. Try to give yourself a full 8 hours of rest, especially when you start to feel under the weather.
-
Listen to your body
If you feel yourself starting to get sick, slow down and give yourself time to recover. Spending a night in to rest now is better than spending an entire week or more fighting off a serious infection! Staying in will benefit not only your health, but will also keep those that you would’ve been in contact with healthy too.
We hope all of these preventative measures work, but, if you do get sick, only take medications as prescribed and seek help if your symptoms get worse.