Caught a cold? Here’s how to take care at school
By Harper Lawson
December 27, 2023
Image Credit: Photo by Spencer Backman on Unsplash
Getting sick amidst the hustle of final exams or the excitement of pre-break social events can be a real downer. The period from late August to March sees a spike in cold and flu cases, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, making it crucial to manage symptoms effectively.
While there's no miracle cure to shorten a cold's duration, there are practical steps to ease the discomfort.
Staying hydrated is a cornerstone of cold care. The standard recommendation of eight glasses a day may need a boost to compensate for fluid loss due to illness. Scientifically, men are advised to consume around 15 cups daily, while women should aim for 11 cups, notes Aquasana.
In addition to water, incorporating juice into your routine can be beneficial, as it provides essential vitamins that support the immune system. Healthline suggests citrus juices like orange or grapefruit, rich in Vitamin C, known to alleviate cold symptoms.
Katie Durniak, a junior finance major, recommends other beverages for recovery. "I try to drink tea and make ginger smoothies because ginger is really good for your immune system," she says. "I also just try to drink a lot of water."
One should also heavily prioritize rest. Healthline emphasizes the vital role sleep plays in providing the immune system with the necessary energy to combat illness.
While over-the-counter medications like DayQuil and NyQuil can address specific symptoms, Sudafed offers relief for sinus congestion. Junior marketing major Brett Newcomb suggests a combination of “rest, Alka-Seltzer Cold and Flu tablets, and plenty of cough drops.”
Vicks presents VapoRub, a topical gel applied to the neck and chest area for alleviating cough symptoms. For monitoring symptoms and determining the need for a flu or COVID test, the health center recommends checking its Flu and COVID-19 FAQ's page.
Next time you find yourself grappling with the common cold, keep these remedies in mind and stay safe out there.
While there's no miracle cure to shorten a cold's duration, there are practical steps to ease the discomfort.
Staying hydrated is a cornerstone of cold care. The standard recommendation of eight glasses a day may need a boost to compensate for fluid loss due to illness. Scientifically, men are advised to consume around 15 cups daily, while women should aim for 11 cups, notes Aquasana.
In addition to water, incorporating juice into your routine can be beneficial, as it provides essential vitamins that support the immune system. Healthline suggests citrus juices like orange or grapefruit, rich in Vitamin C, known to alleviate cold symptoms.
Katie Durniak, a junior finance major, recommends other beverages for recovery. "I try to drink tea and make ginger smoothies because ginger is really good for your immune system," she says. "I also just try to drink a lot of water."
One should also heavily prioritize rest. Healthline emphasizes the vital role sleep plays in providing the immune system with the necessary energy to combat illness.
While over-the-counter medications like DayQuil and NyQuil can address specific symptoms, Sudafed offers relief for sinus congestion. Junior marketing major Brett Newcomb suggests a combination of “rest, Alka-Seltzer Cold and Flu tablets, and plenty of cough drops.”
Vicks presents VapoRub, a topical gel applied to the neck and chest area for alleviating cough symptoms. For monitoring symptoms and determining the need for a flu or COVID test, the health center recommends checking its Flu and COVID-19 FAQ's page.
Next time you find yourself grappling with the common cold, keep these remedies in mind and stay safe out there.