Beating Cold & Flu Season
Do This To Stay Healthy and Never Get Sick
As the weather changes and the semester continues, it’s important to find ways to prevent this from happening👇
Don’t let the bug get you down — tips to stay healthy and happy
Get a flu shot before the flu gets you 💉
The influenza vaccine, or flu shot, is offered annually to provide immunity to seasonal influenza viruses. The vaccine is usually offered from late August thru the end of March, when the flu virus is most active and commonly spread.
It is never too late in the season to consider getting your flu shot.
You can even get yours at Campus Health
Wash your hands often to prevent the spread
Follow these five steps every time 🧼👏🏼
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick + avoid others if you are sick
Eat nutritious food
Looking for ways to add more fruits and veggies into your day? Check out NAU UCAN’s Health Coaches tips.
Stay physically active; get exercise
30 minutes a day — you got this 💪 Remember, taking those hills on campus count too 😉 Next time you find yourself walking to class — maybe choose the long way and get those steps in 👣
Practice stress reduction
Join in on Meditation Monday at Health Promotion
Get plenty of sleep 💤
Shoot for that 7–9 hours of sleep range.
Stay well-hydrated 💧
Especially at 7,000ft, drinking plenty of water is a must.
Don’t share food or drinks with other people
Cover your mouth and nose — cough and sneeze into a tissue or sleeve to prevent others from getting sick
Is it the cold or the flu 🤷🏻♀️
The virus that causes the common cold is very different from the influenza virus.
Cold symptoms are usually milder than flu symptoms and usually involve a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, a mild sore throat, and possibly a slight cough.
Flu symptoms usually involve fever and chills, body/muscle aches, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, and headache — you feel much worse. Your healthcare provider can perform a nasal swab that can help diagnose the flu.
Still not feeling great?
Head to the Campus Health Services and get checked out. You can even schedule an appointment online.
