When cold season comes around, MSU is like a giant pre-school – crawling with germs and people that carry them. The advent of the cold and flu season is almost here, and knowing how to avoid getting and giving a bug can keep you from skipping class or your social life.
Colds from the cold?
Bundling up in scarves, hats and gloves can offer protection from cold temperatures, but it doesn’t block out the cold virus. In fact, come winter time, warm, cozy spots are more notorious for harboring germs than the frigid outdoors. Chilly temperatures drive people inside, and the close quarters — not the cold outdoors — is where people will likely catch a virus.
Scrub and rub
The best defense is hand-washing. Dr. Glynda Moorer, director of Olin Health Center, said the biggest culprits for colds are students who don’t wash their hands enough.
Having an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy for on-the-go is a good option for students, Moorer said. Unless hands are visibly soiled with blood or mucus, she added, hand sanitizer is effective.
For washing hands, use a mild soap with warm water for at least 10 seconds.
After scrubbing with soap, don’t hesitate to lather on some lotion. Cracked, dry hands offer another entryway for germs to enter even if they are clean. Skin is one of the best defenses against germs if it’s kept clean and moisturized.
Studying to sickness
While cooler temperatures cram students closer together, ever-increasing study loads pack on the stress as well.
Rather than pulling all-nighters, skipping meals and sacrificing exercise time, try to maintain a regular, healthy routine. If eight hours of sleep isn’t possible, at least aim for six. Eat when you’re hungry and exercise when you have the energy.
Sharing is not caring
While many people cover their coughs, they aren’t necessarily preventing the spread of their sickness.
If a hand or fist is used to block a cough prior to shaking someone’s hand or typing on a public computer keyboard, the method didn’t stop the germs from spreading. For this reason, using an elbow or arm to block a cough or sneeze is more effective than using a hand or fist.
Pill-popping prevention
Taking vitamins in hopes of preventing a cold or illness is a routine that may not produce results.
There are no conclusive studies that prove vitamins will boost the immune system.
Vitamins can help fill the gaps of an unbalanced diet, but students shouldn’t depend solely on supplements for immunity.
To the doc or not?
When germs get a grip on your immune system, deciding whether or not to go to the doctor may seem hazy.
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Generally, if you have a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or have symptoms that persist for more than a week, such as a cough, headache or sore throat, it’s advisable to seek a doctor.
But seeing a doctor doesn’t always equal medicine. Many students assume they need prescriptions and should get them upon going to the doctor, but some colds or viruses are best fought by letting the body rest and fight it out.
Drinking fluids helps relieve most upper respiratory infections. That’s why many of the common foods recommended for colds, such as soup or juice are effective — they’re another way to keep fluids in your system.
Exercise anyway
Rest is key to letting the body heal, but no need to put on the breaks for all movement because of a common cold.
Exercising can keep your body healthy, even when a small bug is on board. But paying attention to your symptoms is important, as many people mistake more serious flu or respiratory infection symptoms for colds.
Source: Dr. Glynda Moorer, director of Olin Health Center
Dennis Martell, director of health education at Olin Health Center
