I’ve noticed that more and more people are missing school or going to the nurse because of an illness. On the news and from my parents, I’ve heard them talking about getting the flu shot to prevent the serious and possibly even fatal side effects of the illness. This can be an issue if you have noticed that you get sick easily. I, for one, tend to obtain a cough and runny nose around wintertime every year. Here are some tips to avoid getting sickness:

1. Wash your hands. This one sounds pretty obvious, but if you are someone like me who has a runny nose, be sure to grab a Kleenex, blow your nose, and wash your hands (hand sanitizer is a lifesaver as well).  It’s better to be safe and wash your hands more frequently than being sick and missing school and assignments.

2. Don’t drink from someone else’s water bottle. You never know when you or your friend could be sick or getting sick. Make sure to bring your own water everyday because I wouldn’t want my friend getting sick because of me. Again, it’s better to be safe then sorry later.

3. Drink plenty of water. This comes from my previous point. People who drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated throughout the day feel more energized. From my personal experience, you’re more likely to get sick if you are dehydrated (I get migraines and feel groggy).

4. Dress for the weather. You never know for certain what crazy Kansas weather could bring. Make sure you bring a jacket to school, even if the weather seems warm. It’s better to be too warm than too cold on chilly days. Remember, you can always take the jacket off if you get too warm.

5. If you feel sick then go to the doctor or stay home for a day or two. I’m not suggesting that you ditch school, but if you don’t feel well, make sure you tell your parents. They can make an appointment for you to see the doctor so you can get to feeling better as soon as possible. Also, don’t go to school if you really are sick. You wouldn’t want to be the cause of more and more people getting sick.

Hopefully, these tips helped to prevent more and more people getting sick around DHS. These cold winter months can be easier for you if you plan ahead, keep yourself sanitary and stay warm.