Overview

A common cold, or the more serious flu (influenza) can really set back your progress as a student. You might miss classes or work. You feel lousy which makes it harder to get your school work done, even if you are home. While most adults get two or three colds a year, and ramp that number up if you have children in the house, there are ways to avoid cold viruses or lessen the symptoms they cause. The influenza virus infects millions of people in the United States every year. It is blamed for thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. Yes, it is serious. Someone with a cold or the flu will pass the virus on to an average of seven other people! And if those people include young children, the elderly, or those chronically ill they can get really sick. That said, you can take steps to avoid the negative impacts of both these viruses.
First and foremost avoid getting infected.

There are two main strategies here:

Wash your hands, thoroughly and often. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available, especially before and after touching publicly used equipment such as phones, computer keyboards, and pens.
Get an influenza vaccine. You aren’t just protecting yourself, you are protecting those vulnerable in your family and friend circles who could get really sick if infected. If you get a flu vaccine for five years in a row, no matter what the match of the vaccine is thereafter, you will have an 80% chance of being protected from an infection if you continue to get vaccinated.
Next, avoid sick people! Encourage your classmates to stay home if they are sick! Keep more than six feet away from someone with cold or flu symptoms if you can.

Do your best to sleep enough, eat well, get a little exercise and laugh with friends! These all help keep your immune system in good shape to fend off viruses.

Read on for more tips for cold and flu season including natural remedies!

Students talk about how colds and flu affect their studies and give advice for help.
Captioned Version of Wellness Central: Cold and Flu

The information in these modules is not intended to replace the services and advice from a medical or mental health professional.

Learn More

Your self-care starts here! Take a look at these links.

Is it Allergies, a Cold or the Flu? Compare symptoms.
Take care of yourself. Review General Care Guidelines.
Learn more about herbs and other natural remedies for cold and flu symptoms.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Where is the Closest Help to Me?

Although this course has helpful information, it can't replace the face-to-face time we need sometimes. Need local help? Locate a health and mental health center near you.

Explore More

Are you prepared for the Cold and Flu season? Take the Cold and Flu Quiz.
Learn more about hand-washing with the Centers for Disease Control.
A very funny and informative five minute video on good coughing and sneezing techniques.
Captioned version of Why Don't We Do It In Our Sleeves?
All about influenza from the Centers for Disease Control.
Integrative Medicine Pioneer Dr. Tieroana Low Dog gives expert advice on natural remedies for cold and flu season
- Elderberry for Cold and Flu Season
  Captioned version of video on Elderberry for Cold and Flu Season
- Zinc for Colds
  Captioned version of video on Zinc for Colds
- Five Tips for Winter Health
This African derived plant has serious scientific proof that it helps rapidly relieve and resolve the symptoms of colds and flu – check out Umckaloabo (pelargonium sidoides)

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