For When You Just Can't Avoid That Bug Going Around | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

For When You Just Can't Avoid That Bug Going Around

20
For When You Just Can't Avoid That Bug Going Around

We've all been there, no human has the strength to avoid it, all of us have experienced the common cold! *gasp* Yes, that dreadful thing that seems to attack schools and communities in a wave, dragging down everyone within its cold, unforgiving grasp. Within days everyone becomes mindless, groaning and wheezing zombies, doomed to search for a life saving tissue until the end of their days. Leaving only a few lucky souls unscathed, this time anyway.

Yes, I have been there. In fact, I am there. Which is what prompted this idea to lay out the 6 stages of being sick, which, from my knowledge, everyone seems to experience.

1. Denial.

What? What that a cough. Oh well my throat just itched, that's all. A sneeze?? Oh those darn allergies acting up! Feeling sluggish? Well I am a college student, I probably just need more sleep and less stress, ha! Do I have a cold? Why that's crazy, I couldn't get sick, my immune system is a champ. What did you say? You heard there is something going around? But I can't be sick, I have that exam/presentation/extra credit project due! Noooooooo!

2. Acceptance.

You just can't fight it anymore, you are sick and it's time to bite the bullet and see what the damage is. Anyway, you're a college student, your immune system is shot from the junk food, late nights, and stress, were you really expecting to make it past this bug running lose? So what is it? Is it a runny nose and cough? Sore throat? Stomach bug? How long could it possibly last? Is it going to interfere with that super important quiz coming up? Are you going to need to miss any classes? Work? Should you call/email them? All these thoughts will bombard your mind as you blow your nose for only the millionth time already.

3. The Shunning.

It can't be helped. When you show up to class because your cold wasn't bad enough that you could respectfully call in sick. Or there was no missing this class for X amount of reasons. Regardless you're there and everyone knew you were sick by your pajamas that never came off when you crawled out of bed. The tissue box snuggled under your arm. The wheezing sound that comes past your ragged throat and stuffy nose. And the look of near death in your eyes from need for sleep. Oh they know exactly what you are and they cringe with terror. They may cross their fingers in the manor used to ward off evil, they may beg you to stay away for fear that they may be next, and when you sit down they'll promptly flee to the other side of the room. But you can't really blame them, if you weren't the sick one you'd be doing the same thing.

4. I Want My Mommy!

Finally the sickness has hit you with its full power. You're suck in bed, weak and pathetic. Not even willing to wish this fate on your worst enemy. You're too tired to get up to feed yourself but you aren't tired enough to sleep. It's this point where you miss your mom, and desperately wish you were just a little kid again so she could take care of you, make you yummy soup and tuck you into bed with your favorite cartoon playing. But reality hits and you remember your a grown up college student, living away from home, and who needs their mommy for the ultimate comfort.

5. The Long Haul.

About now you've got things figured out. Yeah you're sick but somehow you have to function at the same time too. You drag yourself to meals or if you're as unlucky as I am, you drag yourself to your kitchen to cook for yourself. You've finally stocked up on those tissues you ran out of yesterday at the worst time possible and you've got enough cough medicine to last you a year. You grabbed an armful of soup, pulled out your favorite blanket and rented a good movie. Well you're sick, you might as well make the best of it.

6. The Light at the End of the Tunnel.

Just when you've settled into this being sick thing you wake up one more and suddenly you can breathe. Your head isn't as foggy and you feel like you can stand without the weight of the world on your shoulders. And just like that you've turned the corner. You feel like a new person! Suddenly the world has a golden sheen to it, the day seems more beautiful and you can enjoy it to its fullest. The sickness has passed and congratulations, you have survived!

Now go, be wild and free and don't forget that even the best of us get sick here and there but soon enough it will pass.

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

6182
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

2931
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

2160
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2040
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments