The beginning of the college school year is a whirlwind of new people, exciting events and challenging classes. However, among all of the chaos is the dreadful possibility of catching someone else’s germs and falling ill.
The term “frat flu” refers to the common cold-like symptoms that college students experience within their first few weeks at school. It can include a fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough and fatigue. While it typically resolves within a couple of days, it could lead to more serious complications.
Dr. Sagar Kamprath, a family medicine doctor at Houston Methodist Hospital, explained in August how the average student gets two to four colds per year due to the high density of people and limited ventilation in shared dorm environments.
New people and living spaces can shock the immune system, but there are ways to keep ourselves healthy.
The best way to combat campus sickness is to be proactive and avoid it altogether. Taking initiative to protect one’s physical and mental health is crucial to a healthy, balanced college lifestyle.
Health starts with the basics, like washing hands and cleaning living spaces – simple but effective. However, students should put in more effort to protect themselves.
While there are many campus events that can look fun and enticing at the start of a new year, it is important to not overexert yourself. Socializing is a major part of college, but students still need time to rest, recharge and recover.
College students should get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, but the average student only gets 6-7. A lack of sleep can lead to feelings of stress and tiredness, which impacts health, mood and GPA. Establishing a sleep schedule allows the body to fully rest and helps avoid unnecessary stress that may increase susceptibility to illness.
Stress can cause physical effects and hormonal changes within the body, increasing the chances of high blood pressure and anxiety.
Classes and homework can take up a great deal of time and cause stress, so it is important to take breaks for one’s mental health. Going to the gym, journaling and meditating are healthy ways to unwind after a long day of schoolwork.
At Marquette, there are facilities, centers and clubs that can help students regulate their physical and mental health. Whether it is taking a spin class at the Wellness + Helfaer Recreation center, scheduling a visit to the Counseling Center or joining Yoga Club, students should take advantage of these campus resources.
Another way to avoid sickness is by fueling one’s body with nutritious meals. This can be challenging as some students are not able to cook food themselves, but there are healthy options at dining halls. Adding greens to your plate from the salad bar or switching out soda for water are easy things to do. Students can also download the Everyday app and view daily dining hall menus in advance.
It is in the best interest of everyone that we all take the initiative to look after ourselves and be proactive. Catching a sickness in the beginning of the school year is not an ideal way to start the semester. Falling behind and playing catchup on schoolwork can quickly become a nightmare that puts our immune systems in even more distress.
Healthy bodies help maintain healthy college lives. Protect yourself and those around you, and do not fall victim to “frat flu.”
This story was written by Rachel Lopera. She can be reached at r[email protected].
