Winter and spring are notorious for colder weather, but one thing’s for certain: these are also prime months for flu season. The flu hits annually, so even if you avoid it, your roommate may not be so lucky. Here are some tips on what to do when your roommate has the flu that you should know to avoid it as much as possible.
Stay Away
If you suspect your roommate has the flu, stay away! Be on the lookout for common flu symptoms so that it doesn’t catch you unawares. These include fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Flu season tends to hit students by surprise. It’s safer if you have your own room that you can hide in to avoid contamination. Otherwise, do your best to stay on campus or far away from your roommate to reduce your risk of contact.
Sanitize
Also, protect yourself. Sanitize as much as possible to avoid germs. Germs are undetectable and can spread through surfaces or airborne agents. Therefore, try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible. Consider anti-bacterial wipes for surfaces, like the bathroom, kitchen, other shared areas, and doorknobs. You never know what your roommate accidentally contaminated. It may also help to wear a mask to avoid airborne pathogens. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer to maintain proper hygiene. Also, see if your health center offers flu shots so that you lower your risk of contraction.
Help Them Get Better
When it comes to what to do if your roommate has the flu, use these helpful tips to help them get better. Bring them any missed work from classes if their professors offer it. Also, soup and crackers are comfort staples that can help. If you’re uncomfortable giving these items in person for risk of contamination, then give them a gift basket filled with helpful items like medicine, food, cough drops, and other flu staples. They’ll appreciate the kindness and may do the same if you get sick too.
