As I write this article, I sniffle and wish for my nose to become unstuffed again. It seems that there are two types of college students – those who barely get sick and when they do, you can really tell, and those who just always seem to be coughing and sneezing.

I actually don’t feel like I fall into either group; I’ve gotten sick maybe four or five times over the course of this school year, which isn’t that much (for living in such close quarters with a lot of people) but definitely isn’t “barely.” Every time, though, it seems to be the same process of panic, denial, some more panic, and acquiescence. Below are the seven steps I think most college students go through as they deal with that nasty virus.

1. Feeling something a little weird

For me, it’s always my throat. I wonder: dehydration or virus??

2. Trying to figure out who in your hall/residence/classes was/is sick

I don’t know about you, but I definitely go into hyper-analysis mode: who has been sick? Have I not been getting enough sleep? Did I eat too little for the past few days? I knew I should have worn my hat yesterday, it was too cold…

3. Becoming a (temporary?) germaphobe

It’s like we feel that we can defeat whatever virus is already inside us by being really careful: push the elevator button with your elbow! Wash your hands for 20 extra seconds! Use a paper towel to open the bathroom door! Sanitize everything!

4. Being overly optimistic

Attitude is everything, right? You continuously tell yourself that you’re not sick, you’re not getting sick. Surely positive energy will banish the virus!

5. Slowly deteriorating

The throat pain gets worse, you feel congested and fatigued… this is getting to be a losing battle.

6. Getting stressed about all the work you have to do

Okay, so you’ve accepted that you’re sick. Now how are you going to do all that work you decided to put off?! Cue the panic stage.

7. Saying “screw it” and watching Netflix/YouTube instead

Well, your health does come first, doesn’t it? Work can wait.