Cold & Flu Season Healthy Tips

As the semester begins and  flu season is upon us, now is a good time to remember simple measures you can take to stay well and continue to enjoy your semester!

  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Get enough sleep
  • Reduce stress
  • Exercise regularly – Don’t forget while taking advantage of exercise facilities to use a towel to create a barrier between surfaces and skin.  Launder towels and gym clothes after each use.  Wipe equipment with disinfectant before and after use.  Shower with soap and water after each visit to the gym and inspect your skin for cuts, scrapes and rashes.
  • Treat minor cuts and scrapes immediately with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a band aid.  Seek medical care as soon as possible for more serious cuts.
  • Practice good general hygiene – wash hands with soap and water and dry thoroughly especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
  • Practice cough etiquette - cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, discard used tissue as soon as possible and wash your hands.
  • If you notice an unusual rash or skin lesions such as chickenpox please contact your health care provider immediately or come in the Health Office for evaluation
  • Don’t share personal items – such as razor blades, toothbrushes, combs or hair brushes and don’t eat or drink from other peoples plate or glasses
  • Don’t share cigarettes
  • Choose appropriate cleaning solutions to keep surfaces in living and bathroom areas clean
  • If you haven’t already done so, purchase a thermometer and some over the counter fever/pain reducer to have on hand if you develop symptoms of a cold or flu. Purchase hand sanitizer and a cleaning product to keep your living area clean.  If you develop a fever and cough or a fever and sore throat contact Student Health Services at the number below.

If you have any questions or concerns that have not been addressed above do not hesitate to stop by or call Student Health Services.  SHS is located on the 1st floor of DaSilva Hall on the Queens Campus, (718) 990-6360 or Campus Center Room B17 on the Staten Island Campus, (718) 990-4447.