Colds and influenza (flu) are the most common illnesses among college students.
Causes
Both of these illnesses are upper respiratory infections, meaning they involve your nose, throat, and lungs. Viruses cause both colds and flu by increasing inflammation of the membranes in the nose and throat.
Most transmission of these viruses occurs via hand-to-hand contact.
Symptoms
Flu symptoms come on suddenly and affect the body all over. Flu symptoms are usually more serious than a cold and include:
- fever (100° F),
- headache,
- more intense pain and fatigue, and
- more severe, often dry cough.
When you get the flu, you are also more prone to bronchitis, sinus, and ear infections.
Cold symptoms mostly affect above the neck and include:
- a runny or stuffy nose (nasal congestion),
- sneezing,
- sore throat, and
- cough.
You may also experience a mild headache, body aches or a low grade fever. Typically, a cold lasts 2-14 days.
Treatment
If any problem is causing you discomfort, you should seek medical care.
Seek medical attention promptly if you have:
- a fever of 102° F or greater (which may indicate a more serious infection),
- a persisting cough, especially with a significant fever (which could indicate pneumonia),
- a persistent sore throat (especially if runny nose does not develop – which could indicate a strep infection), or
- any cold lasting more than 10 days.
Because colds and flu are caused by viruses, they cannot be cured by antibiotics. There are tips to help you feel better and strengthen your immune system to fight illness:
- Rest more than usual and avoid exercise until symptoms are gone.
- Drink lots of clear fluids (e.g., water, tea).
- Stay away from cigarette smoke.
- Do not take antibiotics unless specifically prescribed for you to cure the illness from which you currently suffer.
- Avoid drinking alcohol because it weakens your immune system and may interact with medications.
- Avoid caffeine, which can increase congestion and dehydration.
- Eat a well-balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, and grains.
More Specific Remedies for Comfort
Runny Nose/Congestion:
- Decongestants (e.g. pseudoephedrine) can relieve a runny nose and congestion, but these medications can inhibit sleep and suppress appetite.
- Salt water nasal sprays (e.g. NaSal or Ocean) can ease nasal congestion and thin mucus. However, excessive use of medicated nose sprays, like Afrin, can cause dependence and may make congestion worse.
- Humidifiers and hot showers can help to moisten nasal passages and clear mucus.
Cough:
- Dextromethorphan is an effective cough suppressant, but because a cough is a protective reflex, it is not usually a bad thing. Take dextromethorphan if your cough is interfering with sleep or work.
- Water vapor from humidifiers and showers can help loosen the mucus causing a cough, as can chicken soup.
Sore Throat:
- Phenol in lozenges and sprays is an effective pain reliever for sore throats.
- Gargling with warm saltwater (1 tsp. salt in one cup of warm water) every four hours may help ease pain by reducing swollen tonsils.
- Drinking tea with lemon (with or without honey).
Fever/Pain:
- Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen. If symptoms are severe, you may alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen every two hours for pain or fever relief.
Prevention
UHS offers flu shots to Princeton students at a reduced cost every fall. Even though getting a flu shot will not completely eliminate your chances of developing the flu, it will certainly reduce the risk. Each year, a new vaccine made from inactivated (killed) influenza viruses is formulated. Since it may take the immune system time to respond to the vaccination, the inactivated vaccine should be given 6 to 8 weeks before flu season begins in order to prevent infection or reduce the severity of the illness.
The flu is probably only contagious during the first three days of illness, and the incubation period is 24-72 hours, meaning you might not show symptoms for three days after contracting the virus. It is rare to catch a cold virus through the air – most transmission occurs via hand-to-hand contact. To prevent colds, flu, and other illnesses, follow these tips:
- Wash your hands often (which is good advice for keeping healthy in any situation). Keep them away from your nose, eyes, and mouth. Use an instant hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands.
- Get regular exercise and eat well.
- Follow good sleep habits.
- Get a flu shot each fall (offered to all students at a lower cost by UHS each fall)