Increased exposure to a greater number of people puts college coeds at greater risk for contracting contagious diseases.
And the most recent step by college officials to quarantine students on campus because of a Swine Flu outbreak is a scary example of how fast an airborne or contact disease can spread.
Here are 9 effective tips towards staying healthy, yet still being able to enjoy college dorm life.
1. Disinfect frequently used surfaces regularly. This should include door knobs, draw pulls, TV remotes, computer keyboard and mouse, phone, Ipod, Blackberry, laptop, and other hand held devices.
Your normal routine of opening and closing doors, books, desks, chairs collects a ton of germs on your hands. If you then talk on you phone while using your hands to eat a snack, you've just transferred a lot of potential harm from outside to inside your body.
2. Avoid those who are coughing or sneezing. This is particularly good advice for you if they are not covering their mouths. One of the ways the Swine Flu virus spreads is when droplets from the infected host are inhaled by others; and these droplets can travel as far as 6 feet.
3. Be fussy about who you allow in your room. If you have a sick friend, invite them back when they are well rather than let them come into your area while they are obviously still contagious.
4. Wash your hands frequently. With all the modern technology, this old-fashioned, low tech piece of advice still works to combat germs.
Lather up well, and sing the Happy Birthday song to make sure you've washed long enough to kill the germs.
5. Invest in hand sanitizer. For those times when hand washing is not possible, keep some in your back pack, car, your friends' car, and your room. Offer it freely to help those you come in closest contact with to stay healthy. Always use it before using your hands to eat, after sneezing, or blowing your nose.
6. When you are ill stay put. Pampering yourself with plenty of rest and fluids, and limiting your exposure to others will get you back on track faster than toughing it out which will lower your resistance even more.
If you are not better pretty quickly, and are experiencing symptoms that seem out of the ordinary, seek professional help fast.
7. Carry a small pack of tissues with you. Use them to cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing. This will keep your hands cleaner, making you less contagious. Dispose of the tissues immediately. Empty the trash can frequently and avoid touching them again when you dispose of them.
8. Change the air in your room. Air can easily become stale, and letting new air in and the old air out can keep airborne pollutants from accumulating. This is only an option
9. Invest in a dorm room air purifier. A small, portable, light weight, but heavy duty air purifier in your dorm room can work 24 hours a day to remove airborne pollutants.
Bacteria and viruses as small as .3 microns as well as odors, and particulates can be constantly eliminated whether anyone is there or not.
Keeping the air clean keeps resistance high, and if you do encounter a brush with the flu, your body will be more able to fight it off.
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