By Arabella Chamberlain
Have the sniffles? Can't get rid of that cough? Something's going around campus so we need to be careful to avoid getting sick. But what do you do if you've already got the bug?
Here's some tips for what to do when you're sick (or getting sick):
- GET SOME SLEEP. Your body needs time to recuperate. Lack of sleep is killer on your immune system. Turn off the Netflix and go to bed at a reasonable hour. You don't have to binge-watch every episode of the latest season of Game of Thrones in one night. Get some Zzzzzz's. You'll definitely appreciate in the long run.
- STAY HYDRATED. Getting sick takes a lot out of you, and if you're coughing all the time, have a sore throat, a runny nose, chances are you're going to need to replenish the water your body is losing. Even though you may not feel that thirsty, try to keep getting fluids into your system to help flush out your sickness.
- STAY CLEAN. Avoid getting others sick! Wash your hands, cover your cough, take a shower - nobody wants to be around a sick person - let alone a smelly sick person. It's much better for your health when you keep yourself and your spaces clean. Change your clothes (don't live in the same pair of sweatpants for two weeks!), do laundry to get clean (hint: here's how), be sure to wipe down surfaces that are covered with all those germs you've got and avoid sharing. This will help out not just you, but your friends around you who probably don't want to get sick.
- EMAIL YOUR PROFESSORS. If you're so sick you can't make it to class, don't make the mistake of assuming you can just not show up to class and still pass. Reach out to your professors as soon as you can and let them know what's up. If you need to make up assignments you're going to miss, it's better to get ahead of the game by talking to your teachers, as opposed to begging for a chance to make up that super important exam you missed (hint: there's a link on how to schedule make up exams below).
- REACH OUT. Don't be afraid to give Mom and Dad a call when you get sick. They took care of you when you were sick as a kid so they can definitely offer some suggestions on what to do now. Or maybe let some friends know you're feeling under the weather and ask them if they can share notes, pick up assignments or medication for you, or even just be there to binge-watch Netflix - After your homework is done, of course.
- VISIT THE HEALTH CENTER. If you've been down for the count for a couple days, don't just suffer through it. Stop by Health Services located below the Pub or, if your insurance covers it, maybe even make a visit to one of the doctor's offices nearby. Don't wait til your unable to move from your bed to visit a healthcare professional. If there's something more serious going on, you want to find out sooner rather than later (hint: there's also a link down below for Coe's Health Center!).
- TAKE IT EASY. Ultimately, one of the best things you can do when you're sick is just slow it down. Stress can weaken your immune system, so take some "me-time" and try to relax. Don't be afraid to take care of yourself. Read a book, play some video games, watch Moana or Coco (both are on Netflix!), eat ice cream straight out of the tub (this one helps with your sore throat too... or so they say). Just take time to recover and you'll get through this.
All in all, I hope you get better. Being sick sucks. Eat some chicken noodle soup, curl up with Netflix, and get better.
(P.S. I put some helpful links below on what to do when you're sick. Check them out!)
More Information:
Coe College Health Services
Coe College Testing Center: How to Schedule a Makeup Exam
Getting Sick in College
Eight Tips When You're Sick in College
No comments:
Post a Comment