Staying Healthy In College

Colds and Flu
Colds and flu spread like wildfire at college, especially when living in the dorms. Living in such close proximity to so many other students makes getting sick hard to avoid. Also the sudden change in your lifestyle like sleeping less, partying more, and added stress makes your immune system weaker and you more susceptible to catching a virus, Many times when you catch a cold or other illness you don’t show any symptoms right away, so you could be carrying and spreading a sickness without even knowing it.
To avoid getting sick I recommend:

1. Get a flu shot – if you’re like me you might think that flu shots are for babies and old people well you can also get them and I highly recommend it. Having the flu is no fun and could not only cause you to miss out on fun but also to fall behind in your schoolwork. You can get flu shots right on campus at your school’s health center.
2. Try not to share drinks- I know this is hard at parties when playing beer pong because you use the same cups every game, but it is important to take precaution especially during cold and flu season. Try setting up new cups when it is your turn to play or quickly washing them with disinfectant soup. If you feel silly or embarrassed to do this at parties you can always try another option. Fill the pong cups with water and when the opposing team makes a cup drink from your own drink. If someone gives you a hard time tell them you are sick and don’t want to spread it around they will appreciate it.
3. Wash your hands OFTEN- washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent getting sick because most germs travel by hand. Wash your hands after going to class, before and after eating, after using the restroom, and whenever else you feel necessary, Make sure when you wash you do it thoroughly with soap.
4. Limit your hook-ups-Every time you hook up with someone you are greatening your chances of catching something so try to keep it to a minimum at least during cold and flu season.

Hopefully following these few simple steps will help to prevent you from getting sick while at college.

Shots you need
Some schools require certain shots and vaccinations before you can enroll, whether it is required or not it is still a good idea to get the following vaccines.
• Tetanus booster- must receive one every 10 years.
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Hepatitis B-series of 3 shots
• Menomune
Meningitis
Menomune is the vaccine for meningococcal meningitis.  Meningitis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection and college students are at high risk for becoming infected.  It is transmitted through air droplets and direct contact with persons already infected. Sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, straws, and kissing are common ways of spreading the infection.
Some symptoms of meningococcal meningitis are fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, rash, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms. The disease progresses very quickly so prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital to your survival. If you think you have a flu it is better to be over caution and always get checked out by a doctor.
The vaccine has been proved effective in the most common strands of the disease but there is a less common group of strands that are not preventable by vaccine.

The Truth about STDs in College
STDs among college students are growing at a rapid rate and it is important for you, as an incoming or new college student to know the facts.
According to Health Services at the University of Columbia, 20 to 25 percent of college students across the country have either been infected with a STD or have transmitted one to a partner and two thirds of all individuals with STDs are under the age of 25.

The most commonly contracted STD in most recent years is Human Papaloma Virus (HPV) also known as genital warts, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 6 million cases of HPV are seen each year. There are over 100 different types of HPV, 30 of which cause genital warts. Some types can lead to cervical cancer in women and there is no cure for HPV. You can get HPV vaccine but it only prevents certain strands of the virus.

Other STDs common among college campuses are; chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes.

Chlamydia is the second most common STDs on college campuses. Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, oral, and anul sex. It may cause no signs or symptoms but it can be cured through antibiotics. If not treated, Chlamydia can cause impaired fertility in women.

If you make the decision to be sexually active you must get tested annually. This will not only help protect you but also protect others from transmitting a virus from you. Some college students are too embarrassed or nervous what others will think so they don’t get tested.  Please get tested.

The best way to prevent getting infected with an STD is to remain abstinent. The second best way is to protect yourself is by always using condoms. You can receive free condoms from your campus health center or a local Planned Parenthood. You don’t want one night to affect you for the rest of your life.

If you have any questions about the site or on college survival you can email Stella Carver. Last Update December 5, 12:49pm