The Freshman Flu

I know the plight of the college freshman because I am a college freshman. We all experience some of the universal feelings that result from fleeing the nest. We miss the home-cooked meals, our parents, and the free laundry. We all are now primarily responsible for our physical health. While the Freshman 15 might be common language,  I am about to add something new to your vernacular: The Freshman Flu.

The Freshman Flu can come about from various things. We could blame the lack of sleep, the new sense of independence, or the fact that we all now live together, all the time. People have different rituals they bring to school from home. Your friend across the hall might have never seen a Clorox wipe before (although I sure hope so). 

Anyway, I myself have experienced this newfangled Freshman Flu. And because it was so nasty, so vile, so incomprehensible and mind-blowing, I have decided to share some wisdom with you. 

First, some common symptoms: 

-      Headaches 

-      Stuffy/runny nose 

-      Feeling congested and overall bleh 

-      Your throat is on FIRE 

-      Laryngitis (but worse because you screamed all the words to Mr. Brightside last night with your newfound friends and the guy next to you was cute and you wanted to impress him)

-      Body aches 

-      Wanting to sleep all the time and napping way more than you should 

If you exhibit these symptoms, then congratulations, you probably got da flu! 

As for my experience, this all happened within the second week of college . . .  so not fun. I felt the extra pressure of feeling like I had to somehow combat this illness all by myself. I called my parents at two in the morning because my throat hurt so bad I couldn’t fall asleep. This seems dramatic, but it was certainly not fun and I am SO glad it’s over.

So, after identifying these symptoms, please go to health services. It is a bit of a walk, but you are important… self-care babay! They also have a service where they’ll actually pick you up from your dorm and drive you if you really don’t feel well. Everyone there is extremely kind, patient, and more than willing to go over your concerns. If you are a #northerner like me, you might be experiencing allergies because Elon trees really hit different. Health services promise to get you out in 30 minutes or less, so you can still go to lunch, class, and the 30,000 clubs you signed up for. 

 Here are some all-natural remedies that can be super helpful in fighting The Freshman Flu. A quick FYI, I am not a doctor. My mom is a pharmacist, though, so I’ve had medical training my entire life. But other than that, no degree. These are ideas that I’ve had passed down from my grandma, the lovely people of health services, my friends and Pinterest. 

(Seriously, Pinterest any problem and there will be a solution.) 

Honey

A teaspoon of honey is maybe the best medicine you have ever tasted. If you want to be extra, you can add a splash of lemon to the top and your throat will feel extra coated. Honey is actually antibacterial, antiseptic and it can suppress your cough. I ate the two pots of honey my parents sent me in the mail in less than a week. It really works! Local honey also works really well for people with more nature-based allergies, so your body can adapt to the local pollen. 

Vicks VapoRub 

Vicks IS A LIFESAVER. I recommend rubbing Vicks on your chest every night. According to the website, “Vicks Vapor Rub temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold. It can also be used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains on muscles and joints.”  As an added bonus, the eucalyptus scent is actually really soothing and helps me fall asleep at night.  

Tea

Oak House has an amazing selection of teas - use it to your advantage! Drinking tea everyday really helps coat your throat and hot liquids are an essential for getting better. If you don’t have a Keurig or extra meal dollars to spend on tea, just heating up some water in the microwave will open up your airways and relieve some of the congestion. I personally found that lemon water also works really well. 

Sleep  

Getting your required amount of sleep is! So! Important! Making sure you are getting enough rest can be difficult with a college student’s busy schedule, but in the long run is SO WORTH IT. While I was under the weather, I slept for about eight to nine hours every night and napped occasionally for about one to two hours. Although I did miss the rest of the football game, I felt so much better and more alert for the rest of Saturday. Knowing what is best for you, your schedule, and your body is KEY for surviving sickness in college. 

I hope that these essentials give you a launching pad to nurse yourself back from the brink of sickness! Being sick in college can sometimes be really overwhelming, so just know that everyone has been in the same boat. In that case - share this with your friends! I actually took my entire “kit” with me down the hall last night to take care of a friend who was not feeling well.