Common Health Problems at College

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 through the air when someone is coughing or sneezing next to you, by rubbing your eyes or nose after having contact with someone who is sick, or by touching something held by someone who 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 or use a hand sanitizer (like Purel®) and try not to rub your hands on your nose or eyes. Don't share drinks, food, or cigarettes with other people. Ask your primary care provider or Student Health Service about getting a flu vaccine each fall.

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. 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). If you feel very sick, go to the health service. They may suggest that you stay in the infirmary until you feel better or are not contagious.

Strep throat and some 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 prescribe 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. However, even if you do have Mono, there is nothing you can do except get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet. Your medical provider will tell you if there are other things you should do to take care of yourself properly. Most people get better within a month, but you may need to talk to your Student Health Center about decreasing 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 are 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 a bone to another bone.
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, rest, ice, and elevate the injured body part.

If you experience a lot of bruising, or unexplained bruising, you should check in with your health care provider, as this can be a sign of illness, or a side effect of medication.

Can I get injured from too much computer work?

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 who use computers for long periods of time without taking breaks can get RSI.

To help prevent getting RSI:

Position your monitor so it's not too close or too high
Adjust your chair and keyboard so that your forearms and thighs are parallel with the floor
Take breaks often; stand up & gently stretch your hands and arms
Use a light touch on the keyboard, don't pound the keys
Sit up straight, with your feet on the floor
Keep your wrists straight and level
When typing or mousing, don't rest your wrists on anything, keep them floating just above the keyboard or mousepad
When not typing or mousing, take your hands away from the keyboard and mouse, and rest them on your legs or your chair armrests

If you have to reach for the keyboard, or if your position feels awkward, change your position. Even being in a "perfect" position may cause problems if you stay in the same rigid position for too long.

Watch out for these symptoms: