Last year, I seemed to have a cold from the beginning of November until spring break.

I am really sick of it.

People in my hall are already hacking and sneezing.

I would really like to know the best way for me to avoid being a big snot ball for the next couple of months.

— No Snot!

Dear NS,

The cold and flu season is now upon us, and although some may have already contracted a cold or the flu, the cases really start gaining warp speed near the middle of November and usually continue all the way through March.

The length and intensity of the season is variable due to many factors.

What you should also know is that you are not alone in your misery.

We know by virtue of the 2006 American College Health Association National College Health Assessment that nearly 84 percent of MSU students had a cold or the flu in the last year with 28 percent reporting that they were severe enough to have impacted their academic work.

So, how can one avoid being another data point in our stats?

Well, everything I ever needed to know about avoiding colds and flu I learned from watching the ’60s TV cult classic “Star Trek.”

There were several consistent messages in the show that seem to apply to cold and flu prevention.

Their prime directive was to learn and observe, they always worked on keeping their “shields up,” they never traveled without their phasers and they considered it best to always use the Vulcan greeting when coming upon someone.

Learning and understanding how the germs are contracted is part of the key to prevention.

When you are in close contact with your fellow humans, it is easier for the germs to spread.

That happens to be one of the reasons why colds and the flu seem to be more prevalent on this campus.

You have to understand that you have more people living in closer proximity in Brody Complex then you had on all 24 decks of the Starship Enterprise.

The common cold is really not so contagious in many of the ways you may think it is.

The virus is spread mostly by large particles expelled at close range by coughs and sneezes.

Contained areas are the worst, since sometimes you cannot get away easily.

The cold virus also can be spread by contaminated fingers, which pass the virus to the nose and eye.

This happens because your fingers can easily become contaminated when shaking hands, touching door handles, phones and the like in public places.

If you then proceed to touch your nose or eye, you may infect yourself.

Take a lesson from Spock, who when greeting people would never shake hands. Instead he would raise his hands, split his fingers and would greet you by saying, “Live long and prosper.” That is why the Vulcans lived so long.

It is inevitable that you will come in contact with germs, so the most important thing to remember is to wash your hands.

Mild soap and water for at least 10 seconds is the best plan.

You want to “phase” those pesky “Kling-ons” (I could not resist) and wash them right off your hands.

You can use sanitary wipes and antibacterial cleansers if soap and water are not available, but be careful that they do not dry and crack your hands.

If you have not washed, make sure to keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes or nose.

It also is best to keep your “shields at maximum strength” by getting plenty of rest, getting moderate exercise and remembering to feed yourself.

The flu vaccine can be beneficial for those with weakened immune systems or those who come in contact with a lot of people.

They are available at Olin Health Center.

To learn more about how to avoid colds and flu, make sure you stop by Olin.

Also, look in the residence halls in early November for a free “Cold and Flu Survival Pack” sponsored by Olin and the Residence Halls Association.

Until then, “beam me up, Scotty, we need to boldly go and wash our hands.”

Live long and prosper.

— Dr. D

Dennis Martell, Ph.D., is a coordinator of Olin Health Education. E-mail him your questions at dennis.martell@ht.msu.edu.