Flu Season Finals: 4 Tips to Help College Kids Avoid Sickness

As the temperatures drop, it's pretty common for a lot of people to get sick. Winter is typically known as the cold and flu season. As a college student, the last thing you need is a relentless case of flu in the middle of the semester. However, there are ways you can make sure you focus on preventing the cold. Consider the following ways you can make avoid sickness during the school year. 

Cultivate a healthy diet 

What you put in your body really does matter. Develop healthy habits by consuming healthy foods. Always try to include fruits or vegetables with every single meal. Instead of consuming lots of sugar-filled sodas and juices, start drinking lots of water. Find a great multi-vitamin you can take on a daily basis. This isn't to say you can't enjoy a bag of chips or a great burger. However, do your best to make sure that you're eating a healthy, clean diet 80% of the time. Enjoy that coveted slice of pizza as a cheat meal. If your kitchen is limited, many campuses offer discounted meal plans at a cafeteria where you’ll have more healthy eating options than at a food court with fast food.

Keep areas clean and sanitized 

When germs spread all over, this is the easiest way to get sick. This is why it's best to walk with hand sanitizers and sprays. Use hand sanitizing wipes when you're pushing the grocery card at the store. Wipe down surfaces like your laptop, doorknobs and handles on a regular basis. Use an anti-bacterial cleaning solution to take care of countertops, showers and more. Always wash your hands before cooking. Wash your hands after using the restroom as well. If you don't have sanitary habits already, it's best to start now. 

Maintain the warmth 

Sleeping in the cold is a really bad idea. Make sure your bed is positioned away from drafty windows. You can get heavy curtains to reduce the window draft. Before the colder weather seeps in, make sure that you check the HV/AC system. If you'll need heater installation, make sure that's taken care of as soon as possible. Sometimes since students rent they put up with inadequate management, but if your landlord has you without a proper heater you may be able to work with a counselor as a mediator at your school to make sure you have a safe living situation.

Take extra steps to boost the immune system 

If you have a weaker immune system, it's a good idea to boost it by taking additional steps. Increase your intake of Vitamin C. Drink a lot of water. Make sure you're getting adequate rest each night. Try to get to bed earlier, and take note of how many hours you need in order to feel refreshed. Exercise a few times each week. Drink teas with ingredients like ginger and turmeric in them. Add garlic pills or fresh garlic to more of your meals. 

As you work toward optimal health, realize that it'll involve lifestyle changes and discipline. As you work toward making sure that your health is your main priority, you won't have to worry about falling prey to the woes of the common cold or flu.