8 Steps to Prevent the Flu in College

By Rebekah Skeens

On February 15, 2018

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One of the best ways to prevent getting the flu is to get the flu vaccination.
Photo Courtesy of Slope Media

When you are cramped inside a 12-by-14-foot dorm room, using the same shower as your entire floor, and sharing desks with hundreds of other students, it is impossible not to encounter someone else’s germs. Flu season is at its peak, and it is extremely important to protect yourself from the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Influenza activity in West Virginia for this year shows the virus is widespread. This year’s season is more severe than the past few. Since October, over 60,000 people nationally have reported having the flu virus.

One of the best ways to prevent getting the flu is to get the flu vaccination. The CDC reports that for most students who are still on their parents’ health insurance plans, the vaccination will be covered. Pharmacies such as CVS or Walgreens carry the shot, but it is likely that your family doctor also offers the vaccination.

If the shot is unavailable to you or you, like many, are deathly afraid of needles, there are other options. While the flu vaccination is likely to prevent the virus from attacking your immune system, this isn’t the only preventative measure.

One critical step is to wash your hands. Do not forget to wash them before grabbing lunch in the cafeteria, getting Subway, and after going to class. If you want to remove as many germs as possible, the CDC suggests 20 seconds under lukewarm water and plenty of soap.

Sometimes having 10 or 15 minutes between classes does not leave time to thoroughly clean your hands. An alternative way to help kill germs is to carry hand sanitizer in your backpack or purse. It’s a convenient way to knock germs from your hands when a restroom is not nearby. Germ-X hand sanitizer states the brand kills 99.99 percent of germs.

Going to class five days a week, having extra-curricular activities to attend, and being involved in sports does not allow students to distance themselves from others. If you know someone who may have the virus, if possible, try not to hang out with them as often. If this person happens to be your roommate, disinfect all surfaces. This will not keep every germ from spreading but can lessen the chances of both of you contracting the flu.

Dr. Richard Shorter of Melrose Family Medicine shares, "Staying out of large crowds, sporting events, even church, the grocery store...things like that," he said. "Any place you might encounter someone who's ill or someone who may have been exposed to the flu but doesn't know it yet."

When living in a dorm room, sometimes it can be tempting and convenient to use your roommate’s utensils or glasses. This a definite way to spread or receive infection. Potentially, more germs will contaminate your space if those dishes are washed in the same place you brush your teeth. Angela Haupt of U.S Report and World News states that germs can linger on dishes for weeks after being “washed.” The best way to guarantee your dishes are largely free of germs is to wash them in a kitchen sink or in a dishwasher.

Finally, boost your immune system with easy yet preventative steps. Always get plenty of rest. Instead of staying up until 2 a.m. cramming for that exam, study early in the day and get to bed at a decent time. If your classes are stressful, deep breathing and relaxation can help manage this. The more stress you have, the more likely you are to get the influenza virus, says St. Luke’s Mariner Medical Clinic of Wisconsin.

As the flu virus settles in on campus, remember to take preventative steps to keep yourself healthy. To learn more about the influenza virus, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-232-2522.