Top Ten Ways to Keep the Flu Bug Out of the Dorm

It is flu season and that means that getting sick is somewhere in your future! Right now all you are thinking about are midterms and getting through the rest of the semester, so getting sick is one of those really big no-no’s. Staying healthy is essential to a college student's life, especially through those late night study sessions and those other activities that you do. So if you are going to school here are some ways to stay healthy this flu season.

Wash your hands

Ok I know, you have heard this since before preschool, but it is vital in keeping your body healthy and strong. Germs are most likely to be spread through the most common things like sharing a pen or pencil, shaking someone’s hand and even touching a door handle after someone else. Germs are just waiting for your hand to find them so giving your hands some protection with soap and water will help give you that little extra boost. Hand sanitizer is also a very handy tool to keep those yucky germs away.

Exercise

This too can seem like one of those things that everyone says to do because it helps keep you healthy, but it is! I know that getting up from your desk to go and exercise can be a challenge, but it is so worth it when you don’t have to worry about getting sick and missing a class or two or three.

Drink Water

Drinking water will help you keep your body hydrated and ready to fight any bad germs that you may come into contact with. Your brain consists of 90 percent water, so keeping yourself hydrated will can also help your brain feel more ready to get that pile of homework done.

Eat Good Food

Trying to keep a balanced diet may be easier said then done, but it definitely helps you fight those evil forces that are trying to bring you down with the flu. Eating right can not only help your immune system stay ready to fight, but it will also help your entire body stay healthy!

Get Sleep

I know that in a busy college schedule, sleep is sometimes not the very first thing on your to-do list, but it is fundamental in keeping your body ready to fight against any sort of illness, whether it is the flu or something bigger. When your bogy is deprived of sleep it does not have the strength to fight anything, so making sure you are getting a good night’s rest is really important.

Stay away from sick people

Staying away from your best friends might be a challenge for a day or two when they, or you, get sick, but it is the best way to stay flu free! Offer to take notes for a sick friend so that they will stay home for a day or so.

Keep things clean

Keeping commonly touched surfaces, like tables, desks, chairs and doorknobs clean will help keep the spread of germs to a minimum. Wipe down these surfaces with your favorite cleaning disinfectant every few days to make sure that the bugs stay away!

Cover your cough

When you cough or sneeze try to do it into your elbow so you don’t give others the germs that you have. A cough can travel at about 500 miles per hour and sneezes can travel up to 630 miles per hour, so keeping them to yourself will help others stay healthy too.

Get Vaccinated

Getting a flu shot can really help lower your chances of getting sick. I know that I hate to get shots, but if it will help keep you healthy during finals then it is worth the prick! Photo: Getty Images

Stay Positive

Be happy and don’t stress yourself out. When you give yourself the time to mentally prepare yourself for flu season everything else will fall into place. Keep yourself happy and you won’t have to work as hard to stay healthy. You can do it! Photo: Getty Images