Colds and The Flu
It's almost a rite of passage: the first-semester cold. Caused by viruses, colds and influenza (the flu) spread easily through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs and desks.
While cold symptoms are usually milder (sneezing, watery eyes), the flu often brings a higher fever, body aches, and a dry cough. Prevention is basic but effective: wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching your face, and get your annual flu shot, which is often available at the campus health center. If you do get sick, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter medicines to manage symptoms.
Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)
Often called the “kissing disease,” mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and spreads through saliva—meaning you can get it from sharing drinks, utensils, or kissing. It’s notorious among college students for its primary symptom: extreme fatigue that sleep doesn’t seem to fix. Other signs include a very sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Since it's a virus, antibiotics won't work. The only treatment is rest, hydration, and patience, as the exhaustion can last for weeks or even months, potentially disrupting classes. In some cases, mono can cause an enlarged spleen, so it's critical to avoid contact sports until cleared by a doctor.
Norovirus (The Stomach Flu)
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It spreads with alarming speed in enclosed spaces like dorms, dining halls, and classrooms. You can get it from contaminated food or surfaces, or direct contact with an infected person. The symptoms hit suddenly and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. A key prevention tip is that alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not very effective against norovirus; vigorous hand washing with soap and water is essential. If you get sick, the main goal is to stay hydrated by sipping clear fluids. The illness is usually short-lived, but you can remain contagious for a few days after symptoms end.
Bacterial Meningitis
Though much rarer than the common cold, bacterial meningitis is a serious and potentially fatal illness that requires immediate medical attention. It’s an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, and it can progress very quickly. College students, especially those in dorms, are at a higher risk because the bacteria spreads through respiratory secretions from close, prolonged contact. Symptoms can be flu-like at first but quickly advance to include a high fever, severe headache, a stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent it. The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for preteens with a booster at age 16, and another vaccine, MenB, protects against a different strain. Many colleges require proof of vaccination.
Strep Throat
Unlike a cold or mono, strep throat is a bacterial infection. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sharing drinks. The defining symptom is a sudden, very sore throat, often accompanied by pain when swallowing, fever, and sometimes white patches on the tonsils. Because it’s bacterial, strep throat can and should be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. It's important to take the full course of medication to prevent the infection from returning or leading to more serious complications. A good rule of thumb is to see a doctor if a sore throat is severe and doesn't come with typical cold symptoms like a cough or runny nose.
