According to the American College Health Association, upper respiratory ailments are among the most frequently reported student health problems. Colds and the flu and even sore throat, strep throat, and pneumonia are almost certain to challenge students, who are constantly tasked with staying sharp while reading, writing, listening, thinking, questioning, and responding. Performing well in the classroom and on tests is very difficult when feeling stuffy and feverish or taking medications that may cause drowsiness.
While preparing for college, gather up and pack the information needed to face these common illnesses. Take precautions. Know the symptoms and how to treat them. Know when to ask for help from college health professionals.
Take Precautions
The first line of defense against colds and flu, conditions that are spread easily by germs, is hand-washing and avoiding contact with others who are sneezing or otherwise appear to be sick. Avoid touch the eyes, nose, or mouth. Bolster the immune system by getting enough sleep and eating healthy food, including lots of fruits and vegetables. Get some exercise every day.
But even careful and fit individuals succumb to colds and flu from time to time. The symptoms can overlap with other more serious upper respiratory infections that may start with or at first seem to be a relatively average cold or flu.
Symptoms and Treatment of Colds
Colds are caused by viruses and prescription antibiotics will not cure colds. The infection will usually run its course in two weeks. Symptoms include congestion of the nose, ears, and throat. This stuffiness as well as sneezing, sore throat, and cough begins about 2 to 3 days after infection. Other symptoms may include mild headache, fatigue, and slight fever.
To help the body fight a cold, rest and drink plenty of fluids. To relieve throat soreness, gargle with warm salt water. To relieve headache and fever, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Antihistamine and cough suppressant may also be taken to lessen the severity of symptoms. Chicken soup and vitamin C may help lessen the severity and duration of a cold, but these are unproven and unregulated alternatives.
Symptoms and Treatment of Flu
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is always caused by a virus and, as with colds, antibiotics will not help. However, a person with the flu may develop a secondary bacterial infection which would be aided by a prescribed antibiotic. Flu symptoms come on quickly and include muscle aches in the back and legs and a high fever. The fever should go down within three days. Flu victims usually experience headaches, dry coughs, and chest pain. A runny nose and sore throat may develop.
As with colds, help the body fight by resting and drinking fluids. Pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants will keep a flu sufferer more comfortable. If detected early, a flu shot delivered at the onset will help. A student should consider getting a flu shot before going to school to lessen the chance of contracting illness.
Other Respiratory Illnesses
Other illnesses like strep throat, pneumonia, and meningitis share many of the symptoms of colds and flu. Strep throat is caused by a bacterium, however, and should be treated with an antibiotic. Pneumonia and meningitis are more serious and even fatal, so require immediate care by a health professional. Seek help from the college health center if symptoms are different or more severe than those brought on by colds and flu.
Most colleges offer helpful tips on their web sites and usually offer lists of symptoms, suggest non-prescription medications, and answer questions about coping with illness and when to seek their professional help.
Best Defense is a Good Offense
When heading back to school, remember to pack protection, including hand sanitizer and plans to eat healthy food and get exercise. The demands of college can be stressful. Prepare to manage stress by doing such things as applying good study skills that will, in turn, allow time for enough sleep, relaxing mealtimes, and basic exercise. Do all that is possible to keep poor health from sabotaging academic performance.
