While winter is on the way to the Mid-South, conjuring warm thoughts of Christmas, snow, crackling fires and holiday treats, it can also mean coughs, sneezes, sniffles, runny noses and fevers.
No one is immune from catching the common cold but everyone can do some things to lessen the chances of being sick over the holidays.
Many winter health threats are a concern for students at The University of Memphis as the temperature drops and final pressures rise.
"We see a variety of students with illnesses such as upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, sinusitis and asthma during the winter," said Jacqueline De Fouw, health educator at the Hudson Health Center located near Manning Hall. "The best way to stay healthy and be prepared for 'old man winter' is to wash your hands frequently and dress appropriately for the weather."
Vigorously washing your hands for 15 to 20 seconds with soap and warm water helps get rid of germs accumulated from touching public surfaces. Health experts tell us to keep our hands out of our eyes, nose and mouth, as germs left on these surfaces can enter our bodies through mucus membranes.
Lauren Chapman, a junior communications major, agrees.
"I wash my hands when I eat or touch something nasty," she said. "I rarely get sick during the winter."
De Fouw recommends keeping facial tissue or an antibacterial hand sanitizer with you at all times.
"In light of the flu vaccine shortage, stay away from the flu if at all possible," De Fouw said. "If you're already sick, try to stay away from crowds to prevent spreading illnesses to others."
With the rain and unseasonable weather that Memphis has been experiencing lately, dressing appropriately is also a good way to stay healthy, De Fouw said.
"Some of the buildings on campus are really old and the heating units don't work properly. It can be warm and comfortable in one building and freezing in another. Wearing layers of clothing allows students control of their body temperature by either taking an item off or putting an item on," De Fouw said. "Dressing appropriately can be as simple as dressing in layers."
De Fouw also pointed out that stress relief is important in staying healthy. Students who suffer from test anxiety or indulge in cramming for exams place undo pressure on themselves, which in turn can contribute to stress.
"Finding appropriate ways to relieve stress will help to increase your immune system, which will help keep you healthier," she said. "The Psychological Counseling Unit in Wilder Tower can be of help in that area."
De Fouw suggests boosting your immune system by eating properly, exercising, getting plenty of rest -- at least nine hours each night -- and staying well hydrated. "I work out three times a week and I drink water when I work out because it's healthier," said incoming transfer student Eric Ludwig.
"Water is the fluid of choice for hydration over sports drinks due to having the necessary properties needed by the body to function properly," said Samantha Schwenke, nutritionist at the Hudson Health Center. "Water also has no calories."
"Staying hydrated is very important, especially during the winter as it's hard to tell when you're dehydrated," Schwenke said.
