College students more vulnerable during cold and flu season

Collegiate infection control nurses said that college students are more vulnerable to disease because of their irregular schedules, lack of sleep and unbalanced diet.

Due to limited resources, college students are often subject to unbalanced diets but making sure their bodies consume enough protein is what doctors recommend to help build the immune system. Because some of the earliest flu cases appear in October, healthcare professionals encourage practicing healthy lifestyle in addition to taking the flu shot to ensure the best defense during the cold and flu season.

Exercise and a balanced diet are the most commonly recognized guidelines for leading a healthy lifestyle. Generating a habit of taking a multivitamin can help a student who may not be eating three balanced meals per day. Getting out and taking part in physical activity will keep the body functioning properly and the mind energized for when it is time for studies. Exercise is also crucial for both physical and mental health.

An appropriate amount of sleep every night is yet another crucial point of health. The average college student gets as little as five to six hours of sleep which is significantly less than the eight hours recommended for college age adults. An adequate amount of sleep increases the body’s ability to fight off infection.

There is a common superstition that the flu shot gives a person the flu. Tom Frieden, CDC Director, said that this is simply a myth and that being vaccinated does much more good than harm.

“If we could increase vaccination coverage in this country by just five percent, that would prevent about 800,000 illnesses,” said Tom Frieden, CDC Director.

While keeping one’s own body healthy by eating, sleeping, exercising well and taking the flu shot, doctors also advise to keep away from sick persons. When contact with large groups of people is unavoidable as during class, washing hands and disinfecting personal belongings is the best way to keep clear of infection.