Winter is a tough challenge for any college student. Thousands of students across the world are infected with flu every year and there seems to be no end to it yet. There is no sure shot remedy to prevent bad mood or even flu in winter. However, every person can take several simple steps towards staying healthy and avoid being infected during winter.
Educative service Pro-Papers highlights that some of the symptoms that you feel when sick could include any of these:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Fatigue
All these are very common and can very well lead to flu slowly and gradually. Once these symptoms have appeared and stayed for quite some time, it is best to consult a doctor. In case you don’t, the case might take an ugly turn.
When it comes to flu, prevention is better than cure. No medicine can act better than the miracles that a few initial measures can do. When even the slightest symptoms begin to show, with a little amount of care taken on time, all the problems related to the illness can hopefully be avoided.
1. Bottoms up to Flu Shots
The best that you can do stay healthy in winter is to get regular flu shots. Flu Shots consist of virus specimens that trigger the formation of antibodies. These antibodies will stay in your blood for quite some time and will become active as soon as there is a viral attack on your body. Thus, you will be saved from the flu in advance. Some people swear by flu shots and others are anti them, but either way it can be worth a try if you keep getting sick every year.
2. Keep your hands and surroundings clean
No matter if you live with your parents or at a hostel or a rented flat, make sure that you are keeping your surroundings clean. It happens many times that people focus on having a clean body but do not pay any attention to what is around them, which can pose various hazards. Always make sure that the things you come in contact with on a daily basis are clean and hygienic. Also, keep your hands clean all the time, as they are the major source of catching flu. Wash your hands properly every time you come back home from outside. Keeping a portable sanitizer bottle will be an added bonus as well.
3. Do not cough or sneeze openly
Sneezing and coughing openly is a major reason that causes the spread of flu. The disease-causing particles are freely dispersed in the air when we cough or sneeze and can be inhaled by other humans.
Therefore, to protect others from not getting bothered by the same issue that you are facing, always cover your nose and mouth while sneezing. You can use a handkerchief for an added layer of protection.
4. Eat a healthy diet
Eating well is the key to defeating all the major health issues in the world. Simply by eating a healthy and balanced diet, half of your work gets done. Especially in the case of flu, you can focus on eating things, which are rich in Vitamin C. These include oranges, broccoli, mangoes, kiwis, pineapples, etc. Diet will not completely prevent the illness but it can help you get better quickly and renew your lost energy.
5. Stay aware
The major reason behind most of the flu cases getting severe is that students aren’t completely aware of the situation and fail to properly analyze the graveness of it. When a student starts coughing, sneezing, getting a fever, etc., it is very normal for the individual or his fellow mates to consider it a common cold and not get medical help. However, if the symptoms are prolonged, go to the doctor immediately and get checked for flu. If you are infected, know what you should do.
Stay indoors, away from those who are healthy. Get some rest and sleep and drink loads of water. It will definitely help to relieve your pain.
Apart from all these very basic but necessary tips, you can take other measures to stay healthy. Stay updated about your area. It will let you know if there are any flu cases around or if it is spreading. This way, you can stay prepared in advance. You should also avoid sharing food and personal items with others during the flu season. Also, say goodbye to stress. It is the most necessary evil in today’s digital age but sometimes, it is good to let go of things and simply relax your body and mind.
The flu may be a really tough infection but with small steps, you can bring about a really big change in your life.
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