Students on a college campus can take several precautions to prevent themselves from getting sick and to protect others from passing illnesses back and forth:
- Practice good hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before eating and after using the restroom, to remove germs and reduce transmission
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals: Steer clear of people who are visibly ill to minimize exposure to contagious diseases
- Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, then dispose of tissues properly
- Stay home when sick: If feeling unwell or showing symptoms of illness, avoid attending classes, social events, or public places to prevent spreading infection
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces: Regularly sanitize objects like keyboards, desks, doorknobs, and shared facilities to reduce germs on surfaces
- Maintain up-to-date vaccinations: Ensure immunizations such as flu, COVID-19, and MMR vaccines are current to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases common on campuses
- Boost immune health: Get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and manage stress to support the immune system
- Use facemasks appropriately: Wear masks if symptomatic or caring for someone sick, as recommended by health authorities, to reduce respiratory disease spread
- Be aware and responsive: Monitor symptoms, seek medical advice when needed, and cooperate with campus health policies and notifications regarding infectious diseases
These combined actions help create a healthier campus environment by minimizing the risk of illness transmission among students.
