You’re sneezing, coughing, aching, and tired. You’re not alone. Reports of Cold and Flu cases have increased in recent weeks.
Having a cold or the flu is miserable! But you can treat the symptoms. Cold symptoms tend to get worse over a few days. Flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms and come on faster. For either illness, it is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids to feel better.
Cold and flu viruses spread easily in the late fall and winter. If you do catch a cold or the flu, try to stay away from others to avoid spreading the disease.
There are several things you can do to help protect yourself and others from catching a cold or the flu:
- Wash your hands often.
- Stay home if you have a fever.
- Keep your hands away from your face. Your nose, eyes, and mouth are the most likely places for germs to enter your body.
- Always cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Consider wearing a mask if you must be present at an important event where you’ll be near others.
- Eat well and get plenty of sleep and exercise. This keeps your body strong so it can fight infections.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking makes it easier to get an upper respiratory infection and harder to get rid of one.
- Get the flu vaccine every year. Students who have not been vaccinated for the flu yet this year can contact the Health Center at 740-368-3160 to schedule an appointment.
—
Doug Koyle
Associate Dean for Student Success
dmkoyle@owu.edu