Cold And Flu, What To Do?
General Information
The common cold is caused by any one of over 300 different types of "cold" viruses. It is not unusual for college students to have 3-4 colds per year. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore or scratchy throat, and sometimes a cough. You may have a mild headache or feel fatigued.
Colds are spread by direct contact with infected secretions, usually by hand-to-hand contact with an infected person, and then touching your eyes or nose. Contact may also occur after touching a hard surface that has recently (within 1-3 hours) been touched by a person with a cold. Thorough and frequent hand washing and not touching your face can reduce your chances of catching a cold.
Sharing drinks, kissing, and close contact with an infected person may also lead to infection. Also, poor nutrition, lack of rest, alcohol use, and smoking may inhibit your body's defense to the common cold. To avoid colds, try to stay healthy by eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting plenty of rest.
What to do if you have cold symptoms:- Take the self assessment "Stay in bed? or Student Health instead?"
- Follow the instructions for treating your symptoms.
- Remember that antibiotics are not effective in treating the common cold. Colds usually resolve on their own in 1 to 2 weeks.
Note: If you have asthma, diabetes, cancer, or any illness which affects your lungs, heart, or immune system, or have had a splenectomy, you should go to Urgent Care at Student Health. We provide Influenza vaccine during flu season.
Can you HANDle it?
The Grey Bruce Health Unit demonstrates proper technique for both hand washing with soap & water and using alcohol based sanitizer products (Windows Media Player).
