Another year, another season of keeping up with grades and staying healthy.
Everyone has their own set of techniques to help keep away the germs. Students have an abundance of ideas on beating the cold and flu. For some a packet of ‘Emergen-C’ could be all it takes but others look towards home remedies and soups that bring comfort.
Suggestions on staying healthy vary from student to student. Some students suggest the classic Vicks vapor rub on the bottoms of sock covered feet. This remedy, as unpleasant as it sounds, does allow for a cooling sensation which may temporarily make you feel better.
Another suggestion comes from marketing student, Anthony Winans. Anthony believes that “sweating it out” will yield the best results. He suggests going for a workout as he feels that this way “your body naturally heals itself.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum, people take “less natural” precautions with their flu shot.
Nursing and Spanish student, Katherine Price, decided to receive her flu shot this year. Since getting her flu shot she has made it out the other side with nothing but a minor cold. Despite opting for a less natural initial approach, Price has been fighting her cold through sleep and heat. She says sleeping and overheating her body have helped cut the cold to only a couple of days.
Upping the amount of rest and water intake can also help the immune system and hydrate the body. Fluids are important. Drinking broth is also a good way to replenish protein and minerals like sodium and potassium while having the flu.
Protein is important for rebuilding immune cells. Upping the amount of zinc intake can also help your body make more white blood cells to help fight off germs. Foods high in zinc can be like red meat, beans, dairy, and eggs.
If you have a sore throat, try gargling some warm salt water for 10 to 30 seconds and then spitting it out. This can help soothe and clear out mucus.
Considering that stomachs are often sensitive when down in the dumps, a bland diet for the time being can be very beneficial on the stomach. Save yourself that unforsaken bathroom trip and try eating saltine crackers, light soups, jell-o even, and electrolyte rich drinks to stay hydrated.
Powering through a cold could only worsen your situation, so lots of rest is highly recommended. Architectural Engineering student, Jonai Harrison overcomes cold symptoms by drinking a lot of water, some hot teas and getting a lot of rest.
With fast growing viruses, and the flu season at its peak, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and precautions associated with staying healthy. Symptoms of the flu include body aches, chills, fever, sore throat, headaches, and of course fatigue. In select states, the Center for Disease Control conducted surveillance on laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza. A total of 12,167 confirmed cases were reported between Oct. 1, 2019 and Feb. 8, 2020.
Always remember, washing your hands is the first and biggest step in staying healthy. When a trip to the doctors is advised by roommates and peers, try checking out the convenient Birkam Health Center located on campus. The Spectrum Health hospital is located right off of Oak street near the Prakken building and offers a Walk in Clinic open Monday through Friday 8 a.m to 8 p.m.
