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Guys' VersionCollege Health:
Common Health Problems at College
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Why am I more likely to get sick at college?
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 smoke cigarettes or you are exposed to second-hand smoke, you are more likely to catch a cold.
How can I prevent catching a cold/flu or sore throat?
To prevent getting these illnesses:
- Wash your hands often and try not to rub your hands on your nose or eyes.
- Don't share drinks, food, or cigarettes with other people.
- Ask your PCP or a healthcare provider at your student health center about getting a flu vaccine each fall especially if you have asthma, diabetes, or another chronic illness.
If you do get sick, be sure to take really good care of yourself so you can get better quickly.
What do I do if I catch a cold or the flu?
How you treat an illness depends on whether it is caused by a virus or bacteria. Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, which you can't get rid of quickly. You will probably have a cough, possibly 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. Always read labels to make sure you are getting the right medicine for your symptoms. Newer prescription medications for the 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, or diluted juice).
Strep throat and most sinus and ear infections are caused by bacteria, and are treated with antibiotics. Go to the student health center 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” (Mononucleosis), which is sometimes called “the kissing disease". Mono got this nickname because people can pass the infection through germs in saliva when they kiss, but it can also be passed if someone who is infected shares a water bottle, toothbrush, fork or spoon, or lip gloss, etc. Some people might not have symptoms but may still carry the virus and infect other people. However, Mono doesn't occur as often as people think.
People who have Mono may have a combination of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Extreme tiredness
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Swollen glands
- Sore muscles
- Swollen liver or spleen (in advanced conditions)
Other illnesses can mimic Mono. It is always best to see a healthcare provider and get checked out instead of diagnosing yourself.
If I think I might have Mono, how soon should I go to the student health center?
If you've had a sore throat for more than a week and are feeling very tired, you should go to the student health center. 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 to get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration). You can go to your classes after your fever is gone but you will likely feel tired for a few weeks. Most people get better within a month, but you may need to talk with your faculty advisor or dean if your Mono symptoms are severe and are causing you to miss many classes. Most healthcare providers will tell people who are recovering from Mono to avoid contact sports, or other sports such as jumping, cheerleading, etc. The good news is that you cannot get Mono again once you’ve had it.
How do I prevent getting or giving Mono germs?
- Wash your hands often. This dramatically reduces the risk of getting sick or sharing germs.
- Don't drink from some else’s water bottle, and don’t share drinks.
- Don't share forks, spoons or other eating utensils.
Bruises, Sprains and Strains
What should I do if I hurt myself and 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 by too much or sudden pulling of the tissues.
If you have swelling, pain, or can't bear weight, you can make an appointment with yourhealth care provider or go to the Student Health Services to be evaluated. Otherwise, rest and elevate the injured body part and apply ice as soon as possible.
What is a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)?
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:
- Use a lap desk or a table while using your computer to avoid putting pressure on certain muscles and nerves.
- Your laptop or desktop monitor should not be too high or too close to you.
- Type lightly on your keyboard.
- If you're using a desktop (or you have your laptop set up on a desk), sit up straight, and keep your wrists straight and level.
- If you're using a desktop, 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. If this position feels awkward, change it, but still try to sit up straight.
- Take breaks. Even being in a “perfect” position may cause problems if you stay in the same position for too long.
If you have any of the following symptoms, go to the student health center and get checked out:
- Tightness or soreness in your hands, wrists, fingers, forearms, or elbows
- Tingling or numbness in the hands
- Clumsiness, or loss of strength and coordination in the hands
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Updated: 5/6/2010
