Winter is a time full of fun snow days and making memories. Although winter brings joy to people, illness can also come along with the cold season. I doubt a single person in the world likes being sick. Sure, if you are sick you can call out of work and school, but the symptoms of having an illness are usually not worth the day off. If a student takes even one sick day at Padua, well, good luck catching up on schoolwork. Padua girls are very concerned about becoming ill especially since midterms are around the corner. No one wants to sacrifice a day off. The students are even blowing up Twitter with tweets telling everyone who is sick to stay home because they cannot risk being infected too. Since having a sickness is an annoyance to everyone, here are some tips to prevent illness:
- Get immunizations! The best way to prevent catching an illness, especially the flu this time of year, is to get an immunization shot that protects your body against the sickness. A flu shot can be given at a family doctor or even Walgreens. Even if you are afraid of needles, it is better to face your fear than to risk getting sick.
- Wash your hands! The simplest action against sickness. We have known this rule since we were young and hopefully we all still follow it. Washing your hands using antibacterial soap and water for fifteen to twenty seconds will get rid of any unwanted germs.
- Do not share drinks! Most people do not even second guess their decision when they let their friend have a sip from their drink. This is the fastest way to transfer bacteria. Next time someone asks for your drink, tell them you are sick or offer to buy them their own.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze! This is a common, not to mention disgusting, way to spread germs. According to WebMD.com, “a single sneeze can send 100,000 germs into the air.” I doubt anyone can dodge all that bacteria, so make sure to sneeze into anything but the air or your hands.
- Stay home if you feel sick! When you think you feel sick, that usually means you are. You know your body best so you can automatically tell if something is wrong. Plus you do not want to spread the sickness to other people. So stay home until you are feeling your complete self, or you may go to an urgent care or direct primary care provider as soon as possible.