Well, it’s that time of year. The time that it seems like just about every first-year on campus gets hit with the “Commons Plague.” The Plague is a horrible combination of a scratchy throat, sneezing, congestion, being tired, and a general feeling of sickness. So throw on your hazmat suits, grab a bowl of chicken noodle soup, and keep reading to figure out how you can survive the Plague.
5) Sleep
We’ve all been through basic biology and learned that our bodies repair themselves during our sleep at night. While we’re catching our ZZZ’s our immune system is working overtime to make sure that all the pathogens we encounter every day don’t harm us and make us sick. So by pulling all nighters back-to-back-to-back, you’re just asking to get sick. It’s recommended that you get to 7-9 hours of sleep a night, or if you’re an engineering student 1-2 hours between your lab and the deadline of Mastering Chemistry.
4) Get Your Own Drink
We’re all surviving on the caffeine in coffee at this point, and someone is bound to ask you for a sip of yours. Even though you’re a really nice person, you’ve got to say no to that request. Drinking after other people is probably the MOST common way that the Commons Plague is spread, so just tell your friends to get their own drinks.
3) Go Outside
Being cooped up with everyone who’s sick is a for-sure way to get the Commons Plague. Not only is the weather absolutely beautiful right now, but the air is a fresh break from indoor spaces and close proximity to potentially contagious friends. The best way to get out is to grab an Eno or blanket and just study on the lawns.
2) Wash Your Hands
Straight-up, just wash your hands.
1) Make (Smart) Moves When You’re Out
Going out is great an all, but that girl/guy you just met may very well be patient zero for the Plague. So maybe try holding their hand or just talking (JK, we’ve all be there, but honestly just think twice and make sure that you really want to possibly subject yourself to this illness). Also, going back to No. 5, don’t stay out until 4 a.m., try and make it home early so you can have some time to dream.