How to Handle being Sick at College

Coughing, Sneezing, Crying, has this happened to you? Usually when this happens your mother will storm in the room bringing gifts like soup, or medicine that is labeled cherry even though it tastes like literal butt (don’t ask). But when your at college your mom isn’t there. Your on your own, and it is scary. Imagine what it is like to be an ant on a sidewalk. Now imagine someone steps on you. That’s what it is like to be sick at college.

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I have asked some college experts, my friends, what they can suggest to incoming freshman, or even seasoned students on what to do to prevent the black plague from coming and destroying all that your immune system. Here’s some actual advice from college students:

“Getting sick the first time at college is legit the worst thing ever because you have to take care of yourself, and Campbell’s canned soup isn’t the same as your mother’s.Getting sick at college is something that happens usually as soon as you get acclimated to the environment because your stress level will go up with the difficulty of your coursework, which weakens your immune system. Also, since you’re going to be living in the stuffiest rooms ever, germs spread quickly. If you have good friends, give them your wallet and ask them to take a trip to Walmart to buy you what you need like medicines. When you come to college, you should have some of the basics, like aspirin, Pepto-Bismol, tissues, and a first aide kit. Your major/ lifestyle will determine what else you need, like how music majors here have stuffy nose medicine, sore throat spray, and Netipots. And don’t be afraid to skip one class, because often just sleeping for a couple more hours will fix things and you’ll be able to get to your afternoon classes.” (Mayalyn Cott, Music Education Major)
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What we can take from this is to prepare for anything… even mucus war, while at college. You get it… mucus… I’m not funny. Here’s some advice from another college student on the topic of sickness while at school:
“I guess the golden rule is don’t push yourself too hard, like go easy on your body, because the more you push your body the longer the sick will last. BUT you also have to use your best judgement because basically if you can somehow drag yourself to class, do. Even if you’re sniffling or miserable, you’ll feel less stressed if you at least show up to class as long as you’re not dying. Also make sure to bring pain meds, cough drops, cold and flu medicine, etc. It’s good to have a stockpile.” (Gracie Griffiths, Phycology Major)
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In order to feel better one must take care of yourself, but also take care in your studies. You aren’t always going to feel a hundred percent in during class, no one does, but it is up to you to get good grades, and prepare for your future. Here’s some final advice from a soon to be graduate of her Master Program for Occupational Therapy:
“Well, if your in a tough program still go to class, if you are contagious please tell the professor because if one person get’s sick, everyone get’s sick. If you are going into a medical felid, it is imperative that you maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to work with patients or clients from the community. If you have clinical, and you are deathly ill, call your assistant clinical director and make it up another day. If you are sick, you won’t function at your best. You  can put someone’s life in danger because your having a groggy day. Be sure to get plenty of rest, eat the right foods and exercise, and AVOID all-nighters’ to not get sick. If  you have to pull an all-nighter your better off just doing it in the morning, because you may get sick in turn, and it won’t be your best work. Take care you yourself. Nutrition. Exercise. Sleep. Work exercise especially into your schedule even if your busy. It will affect your mood, and help you focus better In the classroom.” (Emily Ann Becker, Occupational Therapist)
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These have been some insights, and tips on how to function while sick at college. College isn’t easy, and the stress of a stuffy nose certainly doesn’t help. It is important to be aware of things like seasonal allergies, and how much sleep your body needs to function properly. Your mom may not be able to hold your hand, but you always have people willing to help, and seeing a campus nurse is a must. Stay healthy, and do your homework!

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