Hello all! I have not written anything in a hot minute. Partially because finals week and all the joys that come with that and partially because I’ve been coughing up a lung every five minutes, and if ya can’t breathe you proooobably shouldn’t be writing.
But I’m back!!! All I have left is a cough that comes around every few hours but she’s slowly fading so I can FINALLY BREATHE AGAIN THANK JESUS. I love nostrils that actually work wow I’m #blessed. I’d also like to issue a formal apology to my roommate whom I love most dearly but also kept awake at night from my nonstop coughing. Also I’m sorry for infecting you. Much love, Emily.
Now that that’s out of the way, I’m going to hit y’all with some real facts. The freshman flu is a VERY real thing. I was sick for three weeks….out of my six week semester. And it wasn’t fun at all. What started off as a mini cough every now and then turned into a fever without the ability to breathe and I’m pretty sure I got like bronchitis or something. Annnnd say it with me, Ain’t nobody got time for that.
You’re trying to just SURVIVE your first few weeks of college. You’re trying to dodge the fakes and curve the f-boys and have clean clothes to wear. You don’t need some extra bacteria or virus to fight off too. So here are some tips I’ve complied to help save your life….literally.
- WIPE EVERYTHING DOWN
If for some reason I didn’t make it clear enough in my last college post, wipe everything down when you move in. You don’t know who’s been there before you and what they’ve done. Read more about this point here.
2. WASH YOUR HANDS/ CARRY HAND SANITIZER
Use the bathroom? Wash yo hands. About to eat? Wash yo hands. About to live? Wash yo hands. Just kidding, but seriously.
Thousands of people touch the things you just touched. That bus has probably seen a million people. That desk has probably seen a million people. Keeping hand sanitizer with you in your backpack is just one simple way to help you kill a lil bacteria here and there. And just because you carry it doesn’t mean that it’s helping. You ACTUALLY HAVE TO USE IT.
3. DON’T SHARE THINGS (INCLUDES SWAPPING SPIT)
Sharing fries? YES. Sharing cups? NO.
It’s that simple. You’re going to be constantly introduced to new sights, smells, and bacteria all day everyday so why not try and minimize their impact by not ingesting them from other people too.
When it comes to swapping spit, I KNOW Chad from ΚΔΦΓΞΙΩΩΩΣΔΨΨ is just sooooo hot but sis sit down and think about who else he kissed before you. You deserve better boo so move ON. The only crabs we’re tryna get out here are the cute ones at the beach.
4. STAY HYDRATED
They say we’re 70% water. You need water to survive. Get a Brita filter or a reusable water bottle and grab a cold one with the boys. Whether you’re just living your daily life going to class or partying it up all night, you need water to make sure you don’t pass out (in one example more than the other but sTILL).
Water will not only keep you alive, but it’ll also make sure that you’re healthy and flushing out all the bad stuff and no one needs that extra toxicity in their lives.
5. EAT YOUR FREAKING VEGGIES PEOPLE
On the topic of being healthy, eat your vegetables. Whether you have a meal plan or you’re out here #thriving and making your own meals, make sure you pick up some fruits AND veggies and add them to your meals. Your body needs those vitamins and minerals to keep you running in tip top shape and fighting off all of those new bacteria.
Whether it’s by throwing everything into a blender and overshadowing your kale with apples and other fruit or just straight up adding broccoli to your pasta or spinach to your next omelette, make good choices people! Your body will thank you and I can guarantee you’ll feel better after than if you eat dinning hall pizza every night.
**TAKE YOUR MULTIVITAMINS TOO** Feel like a lil kid again and eat your gummies
6. SLEEP
Your body needs sleep to rest and recharge. Whether you’re up studying late or up dancing your butt off, you need sleep to be able to function as a human being…and not fall asleep in class (#scholarszn).
Is that party really worth it if you have a 7:20 am class the next day? Should you really be heading out to the club if you have 3 essays and a project due in two days? (duh, you still have one day?)
Your body needs sleep to perform at its best level and fight diseases. Studies have even shown that a lack of sleep mixed with your stress level might even make you gain weight. So if you want to stay healthy and avoid that freshman 15, make good choices.
BUT
Say you get sick….what then? I gotchu
DRINK HOT WATER WITH HONEY + LEMON or TEA
This stuff is like straight ambrosia from the gods. It soothes your throat and just warms you up inside. After a day/ night of coughing, this stuff is straight up addicting. If you’re a fan of tea, drink some tea! With both of these options you’re not only getting hydrated from the water but you’re also using natural methods to make yourself feel better.
DRINK CLEAR GATORADE
If you’ve been throwing up or you just feel like trash, clear gatorade might be your best bet. It’ll help you replace electrolytes as well as stay hydrated to help you flush out your sickness faster. Plus who doesn’t love the flavor ice punch?
USE A SALINE SPRAY
I know that it’s weird as hell to put a liquid in your nose but this stuff WORKS. My mom’s literal favorite phrase is “put drops in your nose”…weird I know. The saline solution helps to loosen mucus in your nose and sinuses plus there’s nothing medicine wise in it so you can use it as much as you want! It also helps to moisten your nose which can help you avoid nosebleeds from blowing your nose so much.
If you’re super out going, you can even try a sinus rinse or neti pot to rise out your nose and sinuses. I’ve personally never used anything like this so I have no idea if they work or how to not drown, but I’ve heard they’re super helpful so you do you boo.
GARGLE WITH SALT WATER
My mom’s second favorite phrase. Gargling with salt water in the morning and night is very effective at reducing the swelling and loosening up mucus in your throat. It also helps to flush out the bacteria that is making you sick!
If you want to try this at home or in your dorm, mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water and gargle away!! Just make sure you don’t swallow it.
COUGH MEDICINE
Now I’m not out here recommending overdosing on NyQuil or anything, but invest in a good cough medicine before you go to college so when you get sick, you’re already prepared and you’re not dragging your carcass to the nearest store for medicine.
The stuff tastes nasty and you’re probably going to drink it out of the plastic lil cup like a shot but make sure you have water to chase it afterwards (you’ll thank me later). Always make sure to follow the instructions on the box!!!
COUGH DROPS
Class stops for no man….or woman so stock up on cough drops to keep you going and not interrupting your professor….or waking your roommate up at night. I personally love and use the RIIIICOLAAAAAA original honey lemon natural herb soothing ones but other brands work too!
Find ones that not only taste good but actually work and you should be set! Just make sure you read the packaging so you don’t have too many in a short period of time if they include medicine in them.
and finally…..
VICKS VAPORUB
My mans Vick is always out here helping me breathe at night and suppress my coughing and this is why I love him. I’ve heard that people used to say that it’s dangerous but I mean…just don’t eat it? The smell is pretty strong so I recommend showering the next morning before class but it works!!
Apply the stuff generously to your chest and neck and if you need that extra help, you can even put some on the bottom of your feet (put socks on after). Plus Vicks has a ton of other uses so you can even use it when you’re healthy to help with your sore muscles or hair growth???
And that’s it! All the tips and tricks I know to help you survive the freshman flu this upcoming year. If you’re healthy, stay healthy and follow the tips to avoid sickness. If you’re sick and reading this, I feel you. I hope some of my tips help you somehow and get well soon!! 🙂
Kasual kook xx
PS. If you really are dying…..just go to the darn doctor
KASUAL KOOK 