Common Health Problems at College

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Going to College and Staying Healthy:
Some Common Health Problems at College

What do I do if I catch a cold or the flu?

You are more likely to catch a cold or the flu or get a sore throat when you are in college than when you are at home, even if you get enough rest. These illnesses spread quickly because so many students live together in dorms and apartments, eat together in cafeterias, and sit close to each other in classrooms. You can get these illnesses are through the air when someone is coughing or sneezing next to you, by rubbing your eyes or nose after having contact with someone that is sick, or by touching something held by someone that is sick. If you have exposure to cigarette smoke, you are more likely to catch a cold.

To prevent getting these illnesses, wash your hands often and try not to rub your hands on your nose or eyes. Don't share drink, food, or cigarettes with other people. If you have asthma or diabetes or another chronic illness, ask your primary care provider or Student Health Service about getting a flu vaccine each fall. Once you have an illness, you should take really good care of yourself. How you treat the condition depends on whether it is caused by a virus or bacteria.

Colds and the flu are caused by viruses. You can't get rid of them quickly. You will probably have a cough, maybe a fever, and feel achy and congested. You should get a lot of rest, drink plenty of fluids and treat the symptoms with over-the-counter cold medications. Read labels to make sure you are getting the right medicine for your symptoms. Newer prescription medications for flu will be available soon. If you have an upset stomach, eat bland foods (cereal, dry toast, rice, or bananas) and drink clear liquids (sports drinks, water, diluted juice, or soda).

Strep throat and most sinus and ear infections are caused by bacteria and are treated with antibiotics. Go to your Student Health Service if you have a very sore throat, pain in your ears or sinuses, a persistent fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing. The staff there can tell you what the problem is and give you antibiotics if you need them.

What's the deal with "Mono"?

You have probably heard about "Mono," or "the kissing disease." However, Mono, or Mononucleosis, does not occur as often as people think. Some of the signs of mono are:

fever
sore throat
headache
swollen glands
extreme tiredness

If you have had a sore throat for more than a week and are feeling very tired, you should go to your Student Health Services. The only way to find out if you have Mono is to get a blood test called the "Mono spot." However, even if you do have Mono, there is nothing you can do except get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet. Most people get better within a month, but you may need to talk to your Student Health Center about lightening your course load, delaying assignments, or making up tests. You cannot get Mono again once you have had it.

What should I do if I hurt myself—get a bruise, sprain, or strain?

These injuries are common and usually not very serious.

Bruises are injuries to the skin that cause the surface of the skin to turn purple or red in color; over time the bruise turns yellow-green and then disappears.
Sprains are injuries to the ligaments, which is tissue that connects the bones.
Strains are injuries to the muscles and tendons that are caused from too much or too sudden pulling of the tissues.

If you have swelling, pain, or can't bear weight, you should see your clinician. Otherwise, just rest, ice, and elevate the injured body part.

A specific type of serious strain injury is called Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Repetitive strain injury includes all kinds of injuries, caused by doing the same movement continuously, to the muscles, nerves, and tendons of your arms and shoulders. You may have heard of bursitis, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. People that use computers a lot, for long periods of time without breaks, can get repetitive strain injury. To help prevent getting repetitive strain injury, your monitor should not be positioned too close or too high. You should take lots of breaks, use a light touch on the keyboard, sit up straight, and keep your wrists straight and level. You should have an extender for your keyboard, so that your wrists rest lightly on it when you are typing. Your chair and keyboard should be set so that your forearms and thighs are parallel with the floor. You should be positioned like the girl in the diagram. If you feel like to have to reach for the keyboard, or if your position feels awkward, you need to change your position. Even being in a "perfect" position may cause problems if you stay in the same rigid position for too long.

image of correct computer posture