Colds, Flu, and Other Stuff
Rule #1 - Cough in your sleeve
Coughing in your hand is unsanitary. You may avoid spraying your cold and flu germs on someone by covering your mouth, but then you transmit them to a ton of other places when you touch people and things. Besides, when you cough in your sleeve the germs get trapped in fabric of your clothes and die.
Rule #2 - Forget what your mom said. It's okay not to share
Cold and flu germs can live on surfaces for three hours. Don't share items such as cups, bottles, utensils, straws, or toothbrushes.
Rule #3 - Don't pick your nose
Germs are most easily spread through the thin membranes in our noses and eyes.
Rule #4 - If you must pick, wash your hands before and after
In fact, wash your hands all the time. It's the easiest way to avoid ingesting germs.
Rules for washing hands: scrub with soap and water while singing "Happy Birthday." If you do this in private, you can even avoid paying royalties.
Rule #5 - Hunker down
You know it - sleep is so important to your health and well-being. Aim for getting between 7-9 hours a day.
Rule #6 - Eat well
Think in terms of the rainbow: The more colorful, the better. Your body responds to the type of fuel you put in it so follow www.choosemyplate.gov guidelines. Eat fruits and veggies with every meal, eat more whole grains, and drink water instead of sugary drinks. You may also want to consider taking a daily multivitamin. Want to know more about eating well, visit our dietitian in the Wellness Center in the Marshall Student Center, or ask our dietitian online.
Rule #7 - Chillax
Stress levels can decrease your immune response and then you get sick more often. Some ways to decrease stress are to use effective time management skills, create positive social connections, and practice yoga or meditation. If you are feeling overwhelmed find someone to talk to. A friend is a good place to start. You can also talk to people who are trained to listen at the Counseling Center.
Rule #8 - Get moving
Research shows the being regular physical activity can improve your immune system. Aim for getting your heart rate up (and break a sweat) for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Sneak in some easy ways to be active by using the stairs instead of the elevator, parking and walking across campus to get to class, or visiting the Campus Rec Center to Borrow their Bikes, work out, join an intramural team or sports club.
Rule #9 - Take a shot
Getting the flu vaccine is the single best way for you to protect yourself from getting the flu each year. Be on the lookout - usually around October - when Student Health Services offers the vaccine.
Rule #10 - There's no place like home
Stay home when you're sick. You'll recover faster, and it keeps others from catching your illness.