As the temperature drops lower and the risk of contracting respiratory illnesses gets higher, here are some tips for staying healthy and where to seek help if you feel sick.

Transcript:

0:00: achoo, it’s influenza season. 

 0:07: With cold winter storms and sickness spreading, it’s time for some awareness on how to prevent yourself from catching a bad cold over the next few months. 

 0:15: On today’s episode, I’ll be going over some ways to prevent illness, symptoms to watch out for, and lastly, some medical resources in case you feel you need attention. 

 0:23: So let’s get right into it. 

 0:24: It might sound trivial given all the amount of times we hear it growing up, but seriously, wash your hands. 

 0:29: Turns out being an adult doesn’t make us any less dirty, especially in the huge melting pot which is college. 

 0:35: Not only that, but we live in a city with nearly 3 million people, so naturally everything you touch has been contaminated in some capacity. 

 0:42: Once more I say wash your hands. 

 0:44: Getting good sleep is another great way to avoid illness. 

 0:47: Our schedules are often filled to the brim, causing long days. 

 0:50: If you are able to take the time to go to bed at a reasonable hour, this will strengthen your immune system, which, by the way, since we’re talking about strengthening your immune system, have a well balanced diet. 

 1:00: Fruits make us powerhouses. 

 1:01: For instance, apples contain antioxidants that can help prevent infection. 

 1:05: Potassium and magnesium in watermelon can help monitor heart rate, and oranges protect your skin and vision through vitamin C. 

 1:11: Staying warm, eating healthy, sleeping eight hours and washing those hands of yours all contribute to a powerful, safe and secure body. 

 1:18: So what are some actual sicknesses you can identify? 

 1:21: COVID, influenza, strep and the common cold are all relatively prominent in November. 

 1:26: While it’s hard to identify and separate some of these from each other, there are key symptoms to look out for. 

 1:31: I’m going to go over these briefly, but I want to make it clear that self-diagnosing yourself isn’t ever a smart idea. 

 1:37: If you feel extremely sick, go get the attention you need. 

 1:40: It’s better to seek help sooner than later, since at that point it might just be worse. 

 1:44: The flu or influenza is generally characterized by a very quick onset of symptoms. 

 1:50: This is different from COVID, as oftentimes COVID will take longer to show signs while additionally taking longer to actually exit the body. 

 1:56: It also sometimes will take away smell or taste for a very short period of time. 

 2:00: The common cold shares most characteristics of these other illnesses, just not as prominent or intense typically. 

 2:06: And finally, strep throat is one of the more distinct and identifiable of this bunch. 

 2:10: If your throat hurts and feels almost swollen in conjunction with symptoms of a cold, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

 2:17: Some key signs to look out for that signify emergency are extreme shortness of breath, inability to speak properly, chest pain or tightness, or a fever of realistically 103 or higher. 

 2:28: Stay smart and take action ahead of time. 

 2:30: So what happens if you do get sick? 

 2:33: Well, make sure you know your campus resources. 

 2:36: Columbia College Chicago has a 24/7 health line called Timely Care Medical and Mental Health. 

 2:41: You can register for their service just like you would at any doctor’s office. 

 2:45: Then call to seek consultation. 

 2:47: In certain cases, this service can diagnose and prescribe you medication. 

 2:51: While this is generally an accurate assessment, sometimes it’s better to just go see a doctor in person. 

 2:56: So I have two recommendations on where you can go, CVS Minuteclinic and Physicians Immediate Care. 

 3:03: Both are on campus and not far at all, and both offer very friendly appointments set up for your needs. 

 3:09: Ultimately though, this comes down to personal preference, just make sure you actually go somewhere if you need help. 

 3:16: Subscribe to our newsletters on our website, columbiachronicle.com. 

 3:20: Be sure to also check out Chronversations for weekly campus highlights. 

 3:24: I’m Levi Libson, thanks for listening. 

Copy edited by Mya DeJesus