Being Sick in College
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Freshmen Plague Is SO Real, But Here's 6 Tips On How To Survive It

Being sick away from home is the literal worst....

300
The Freshmen Plague Is SO Real, But Here's 6 Tips On How To Survive It

Three weeks into my freshman year and my biggest issue hasn't been related to homework, freshman "15", or even boys. It's been something much, much worse.

The Freshmen Plague

While it comes in many shapes, sizes, and symptoms, the "Freshmen Plague" occurs from living in close quarters with a ton of strangers from across the country. It's kind of like the start of preschool again. Everyone's learning how to live in their new spaces, meeting one another, hugging, touching, drinking after one another. Think of it as a thousand or so preschoolers being put on a college campus with more freedom than they've ever had in their lives.

And I fell as one of the first victims...

My case has definitely been one of the worst yet. After having minor cold symptoms for around a week, I woke up to my throat hurting severely. I couldn't swallow, breathe well, or talk clearly. I went and saw student health and returned to my dorm with a negative strep test and some minor medications for the pain and fever. Two days later, I had gotten worse. I didn't sleep and was having even more trouble breathing and swallowing.

I returned to student health and they found my white blood cell count to be abnormally high and sent me on my way to the ER. It was safe to say that I was terrified, and if it wasn't for my best friend being by my side during the 11 enduring hours at urgent care, I don't know what I would've done. My parents are 5 hours away and I seemed to be getting worse as time went on. Finally, I was diagnosed with mild tonsilitis and a severe sinus infection. Once I got the right medications I was on my way to defeating the Freshmen Plague once and for all. Here are a few things that helped me get through the worst symptoms and moments.

1. Ice Cream

Giphy

When I couldn't bare to swallow anything besides soft foods, ice cream helped soothe my throat and numb the pain temporarily. I ate almost a whole tub by myself, and I have zero shame.

2. Hot Tea

Giphy

On the contrary, hot tea with lemon and honey was such a move to help soothe my symptoms. Most definitely a sick day move. And that's the tea, sis.

3. Tissues, tissues, and MORE TISSUES

Giphy

Do yourself a solid and make sure to get the ones with soothing lotion infused in them, because your nose will thank you after at least a box. My nose STILL hurts from blowing it 25/8.

4. Comfy clothes

Giphy

This is a given for being sick as well, but those aloe infused fuzzy socks, comfy leggings or shorts, with an oversized sweatshirt will make your stay in Plague-ville 10x better.

5. Entertainment

Giphy

Whether it be a Netflix/Hulu show, a good book, some music, or other, some form of entertainment goes a long way when you're too congested to sleep or stuck in the ER waiting room for 6 hours.

6. Friends!

Giphy

Since you're away from your own bed, family, and friends back home, having some company on campus when you're sick definitely helps. While your friends may not want to be near you, just them checking in and making sure you're doing as good as possible is a big morale booster.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71159
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133068
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments