Viruses such as the flu and common cold can last 7鈥�10 days, meaning symptoms like a stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue听and a sore throat stick around for a while. Since antibiotics typically don鈥檛 work for viruses, it鈥檚 all about staying as healthy as possible. So how do we do it?
Get a flu shot
This year鈥檚 flu season has been particularly active. Protect yourself and those around you (hello, herd immunity!) with a free flu shot. No appointment needed鈥攋ust bring your Buff OneCard to walk-in hours on campus:
- Wardenburg Health Center: Monday鈥揊riday, 10 a.m. to noon
- The Health Clinic at Village Center: Monday鈥揟hursday, 2鈥�6 p.m.; Friday,听1鈥�5 p.m.
Keep it clean
We need to wash our hands often鈥攊n the bathroom, before eating, after class鈥攖here鈥檚 no bad time! If warm water and soap aren鈥檛 available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative. Pick up a travel-sized bottle for your backpack (they鈥檙e free at the Health Promotion Resource Center in UMC 411).
Support a high-functioning immune system
Your immune system is impacted by everything you do, from what you eat to your stress levels. This means that eating regular, balanced meals; hydrating with lots of water; and sleeping 7鈥�9 hours each听night all help strengthen your body. When you鈥檙e well-rested, well-resourced and well-nourished, you鈥檙e more capable of fighting off an infection.
Make it a priority for the new semester: Stick to a bedtime on school nights, carry around a refillable water bottle and fill up on vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables. Finding time for light physical activity and sunshine is good for your health, too; take a walk with friends, toss around a Frisbee and open the blinds!听听
Practice good health habits
When we look out for each other, we all stay healthier in the long run. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 important to wipe down communal surfaces like doorknobs and counters with disinfectant, cough and sneeze into your elbow or sleeve (but not hands, since hands touch everything)听and stay home when you鈥檙e not feeling well.
If you still find yourself under the weather, try these tips: Drink warm liquids like tea to soothe a sore throat and stay hydrated, get extra rest to let your body recover听and use over-the-counter remedies as appropriate to find relief. Your body works hard to fight off these viruses and get you back into peak condition, so be kind to it!
In fact, treat it to some cold-care supplies on us. Cough drops, tissues, tea, honey sticks and gargling salt are all available free to CU 麻豆影院 students in Health Promotion (UMC 411).
Remember those good health habits for all areas of life听
When our mental health is cared for, our physical health follows. It鈥檚 important to take time to relax, organize your thoughts听and find healthy ways to deal with everything you听have going on.
Mindfulness practices such as journaling, de-stressing activities such as yoga and coping mechanisms such as talking with a trusted friend or family member can be just as important as washing your hands. Prioritizing self-care mentally and physically is key to a healthy, balanced semester. We can do this, Buffs!
The Healthy Buffs series is brought to you by Wardenburg Health Services. Visit us online at .
