Hey Hawks! As we move further into winter, illnesses tend to spread more, and unfortunately, I’ve already experienced that firsthand this semester. Getting sick while living on campus isn’t fun, so I wanted to share what helped me and what I learned along the way.

My first piece of advice, whether you’re trying to prevent getting sick or fight off a cold, is to dress warmly. During winter, your body is more vulnerable, especially if you’re not dressed appropriately for the weather. In my last post, I talked about ways to stay warm during an Iowa winter, and trust me, it really does make a difference.

Next, I highly recommend bringing a medicine box with you when you move in. I packed one with different cold and flu medicines, and I was so glad I did. It definitely came in handy when I unexpectedly got sick and didn’t feel like going out to buy medicine.

Along with taking medicine, getting enough sleep is key. Sleep helps your body recover, and when you’re sick, rest is honestly one of the best things you can do to feel better faster, even if it means slowing down for a day or two.

Lastly, you might be nervous about missing class, but don’t be afraid to email your professors if you’re sick. More often than not, professors are understanding and willing to work with you. Taking the time to rest and recover is way better than pushing yourself when you don’t feel well.

Overall, getting sick during winter can be scary, especially when you’re away from home, but remember that the University has many resources to support you. Take care of yourself, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.