Okay, so being sick at college sucks.
But you know what sucks even more? Having the flu. Yes. The Flu. Influenza. If you thought having the common cold was bad at college, the flu hits fiercely with the strength of one thousand suns. Your body is weak trying to repair itself — all you're doing is trying to follow your dreams, maintain somewhat of a good GPA and not die.
Having the flu and being a college student is a feat for sure. While it is difficult, it's do-able! In the wake of the impending flu season among us, here are my top tips on surviving the flu as a college student.
1. GO TO THE DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE — and I mean ASAP!![]()
If you're feeling flu-like symptoms or are feeling majorly under the weather — go to the doc. Doctors can give tips on remedies and prescribe you with TamiFlu which can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick if you take it within 48 hours. So if you're feelin' the flu, get to the doctor ASAP!
If it is true that you do have the flu, honey you need to stay the heck home. As long as you are running fevers, you are contagious and the worst thing you can do after going through all this is to pass this on to someone else. And theoretically, the only way you can truly find out if you have the flu is by visiting the doctor. But once you do, you can get this cool thing called a doctor's note that can help prove to your professors that you are actually suffering rather than pulling a classic skip on their class. I'll get into why this is important later.
2. Keep in good contact with your professors.
If you ever want to be successful in college, good relationships and mutual respect with your professors are key. It's more than common courtesy to be able to have an open conversation about missing class. Having the flu is by no means a "get out free" card. Utilize this time to plan with your professors about how you can catch up when you're sick at home.
3. Be sick at home.
It's so much better.
4. NAPS
Be like this little pupper instead! Your body will thank you later!
5. Humidifiers.
The "do you even vape bro" jokes will be at an all time high. But I found out quickly that having the flu in a misty comfortable room REALLY helped my symptoms. Harsh dry coughing is the worst. You can also get the same affect by boiling water/taking a warm bath/shower.
6. FLUIDS.
Water works just fine, but do make sure you're drinking fluids! This keeps the respiratory system hydrated, making it easier to decongest mucus by thinning it. It simply makes your body happier.
7. Warm Drinks
This is another "steam" thing. Believe me, the steam and the warmth helps relieve a lot of the pain going on in your respiratory system and your throat.
8. Go home-home.
If it's an option, do go home and take a break. Sometimes, it's best to be babied and to have a care-taker. Even just talking to my mom or my parents, in general, was the greatest medicine of all. It's okay to go home. We get it.
9. Hand sanitizer.
Your friends will thank you.
10. Stay Cool, my dude.
Being sick is nothing to be ashamed of :) Cuddle up in blankets and nap. Get better. This is your time and nobody should take it away from you.
My greatest takeaways from being sick while at college:
Don't be afraid to give yourself a break.
Try not to spread it.
Be determined about making up your absence
Take control of your symptoms
AND REST.
Although it may prove difficult, and the journey may be full of fevers and coughing, you are capable to overcome, the evil and despicable flu.
Godspeed my fellow college students.
