Dear Life Section,
I caught whatever plague is going around, and I feel so sick. I have a fever, body aches, chills and can barely get out of bed. How do I take care of myself when I live alone?
Sincerely,
Sick Senior
Dear Sick Senior,
After long breaks, college campuses become Petri dishes. Every winter seems especially cold and sick, and the key is to take preventative measures. Getting sick is inevitable, especially in peak cold and flu seasons.
To prepare, stock up on supplies like tissues, vitamin C, electrolytes, medicine such as Tylenol and ibuprofen, and, most importantly, quick and easy meals. These are nice to have on hand anytime, but especially in the height of sickness—a cup of noodles can be a lifesaver.
A quick rundown on different medicines:
- Ibuprofen is for pain relief and inflammation—take it for body aches and fever.
- Tylenol works better for common cold symptoms.
- DayQuil and NyQuil loosen mucus and suppress coughs.
If you have a fever, wait at least 24 hours after it has passed without medication before assuming you’re no longer contagious.
When the sickness eventually hits, eat and drink. Fueling your body is always important, but especially when you’re sick. Starving yourself will only prolong the illness. The old adage “feed a cold, starve a fever” is entirely false. Replenishing calories and eating a balance of fruits and vegetables can help regulate your immune system.
That said, let’s be honest—eating a balanced diet as a college student can be tough, especially without easy grocery access or when bedridden. Do your best to eat whatever you can whenever you can, but make sure you’re eating.
When it comes to school, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. “Pushing through” and going to class will only spread the illness. Most professors would rather catch you up in office hours or over email than face a lecture hall full of coughing, sniffling zombies. Communicate with your professors, and try to keep up with online work and readings if possible.
While staying on top of schoolwork is important, resting and healing should be your priority. Sleep when you can, eat even when you don’t feel like it and drink an uncomfortable amount of water. Taking care of your mental health is just as important. Isolation helps prevent the spreading of sickness, but loneliness can weigh on you—especially when going straight from attending class to being bedridden. Stay in touch with friends and family through calls or texts to maintain a connection to the outside world.
If all else fails, ride it out. This will pass, and the pain is temporary. Binge-watch your favorite guilty pleasure show, listen to music or lose yourself in a book to help pass the time.
Being sick is part of life, but taking care of yourself while sick can feel impossible. Learning how to heal is an essential skill for future illnesses and adjusting to living independently.
Sincerely,
The Life Section
