It seems like a lot of people are getting sick right now. This might be because spring is one of the worst times for illness. The changing barometric pressure, temperatures, and wind can compromise the body’s immune system and make it difficult for people to fight off infections.
The following list details several helpful tips to avoid illnesses like the coronavirus, norovirus (a strong stomach bug), and the common flu this spring.
Wash hands often, and for at least 20 seconds. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone wash their hands after eating meals, using the restroom, touching an open wound, changing a baby, and after coughing, sneezing, or touching their nose. When in doubt, wash! It is important to wash not only palms and fingers with soap and water, but also wrists, between the fingers, and under the nails every time to ensure no leftover germs or grime are left behind.
Washing for fewer than 20 seconds usually means hands haven’t been cleaned thoroughly enough. The easiest way to keep track of washing time is by humming “Happy Birthday” from start to finish twice. Another option is using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, though it is not as effective as washing with soap and water.
Get enough sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for young adults is between seven and nine hours every night. Sleeping at least seven hours helps to process information learned during the day and improves control of emotions as well as decision making. Sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, inattention, impaired memory, and poor impulse control.
Consistent sleeping patterns are also important. It’s best to aim to go to sleep and wake up at around the same time every day. Experts say that “catching up” on sleep after one or more nights of very little sleep is bad for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle and should be avoided whenever possible.
Take precautions when necessary. While taking precautions has become a more widespread concept after the pandemic emerged in 2020, people often forget how easy it is to pass illness to others. Germs can live on surfaces for 24 hours, so when someone is not feeling well, it is good practice to limit the items shared between people (drinks, utensils, towels) and sanitize surfaces often.
Face masks and COVID-19 tests are also available on campus at Glennon Health Services and other public buildings like Stevenson Library. If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, he/she must report his/her results to covidcoordinator@commonwealth.edu. If someone is experiencing flu-like symptoms but test negative for COVID-19, Glennon Health Services can help with a diagnosis and symptom treatment. All health services provided at Glennon are free for students.
Frequently washing and sanitizing hands, getting plentiful sleep, and taking any necessary precautions are three useful tips to best combat illness this spring. With warmer weather just around the corner, make sure to spend time outside with family and friends rather than being cooped up inside suffering from a stomach bug.
