Coughs, sniffles and sneezes have been making their rounds at Northeastern, and as spring semester kicks into gear, staying healthy has never been more important.
Influenza, the common cold and the infamous “frat flu” are pervasive on campus at this point in the year. Symptoms like a sore throat, drowsiness, nasal congestion, headaches, cough, fever and muscle aches can prevent students from actively participating in their classes, extracurriculars and social lives.
Students try everything from saltwater mouthwash to “medicine ball” Starbucks orders to combat attacks on their immune systems. From science-backed hacks to cozy home remedies, here are a few need-to-know methods to stay healthy and beat the flu this semester!
Lemon ginger honey tea
Although the name is a mouthful, warm lemon ginger honey tea works wonders for a sore throat. Each ingredient combines to make a soothing remedy for common fall illnesses, helping you get back on your feet as soon as possible.
The steam from the hot tea helps reduce congestion, and the honey soothes a sore throat. Additionally, the tea itself provides much-needed hydration.
Ginger, often used in holistic medicine, contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and nausea — perfect to aid in relieving the common muscle aches and nausea symptoms of the flu.
Lemon, the third ingredient, provides vitamin C and antioxidants to boost your immune system while fighting off the virus.
While there may not be a miracle cure for the flu, honey lemon ginger tea is a delicious, healthy drink perfect for someone under the weather!
Long, hot, steamy showers
The weather is only getting colder here in Boston, and sometimes a hot shower after a long day is the only way to warm up. Steam-filled showers help to reduce nasal congestion by opening airways and clearing nasal pathways.
Hot showers also relieve body tension and help with relaxation, making them a calming remedy for sick days in the colder weather.
Before you get sick — vaccinate!
Vaccinations are one of the best ways to prevent the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during “the last flu season prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, [the] flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7 million influenza illnesses, 3 million influenza-associated medical visits, 100,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 7,000 influenza-associated deaths.”
You can get vaccinated, often for free, at local pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens and Star Market — sometimes in less than 20 minutes. University Health and Counseling Services also hosts vaccination clinics throughout the semester. Health professionals highly recommend disease prevention over mitigation, as preventing the disease means few to no symptoms with an even lower chance of longer-term effects.
Getting the seasonal flu vaccine is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick, and the few barriers to scheduling the shot makes it an easy way to stay healthy!
Rest and relaxation
As spring semester picks up, students’ schedules are packed, leaving little time to rest, relax and take care of themselves. With high stress levels and little recovery time, students are more at risk for sickness because of their immune systems’ lowered ability to fight off viruses.
Take time to destress and relax through activities like getting coffee with a friend, reading a book or taking a yoga or meditation class held by the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service weekdays at noon and 4 p.m.
By doing something as small as enjoying some time away from studying or stress, students dramatically reduce their probability of getting sick.
Whether you’re symptom-free or stuck in the depths of flu sickness, these tips and tricks for relaxation and a faster recovery are bound to bring comfort to a stressed or sick student.
