7.6: Preventing Infectious Diseases

Preventing Infectious Diseases: Practical Tips for College Students

College students often live, work, and socialize in close proximity, which can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases. However, adopting healthy habits and practices can significantly reduce this risk. Here are some practical strategies:

1. Practice Good Hygiene

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth, to prevent germs from entering your body.

2. Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations

• Ensure you’re current on routine vaccinations, including those for influenza, COVID-19, meningitis, and HPV.
• Check with your campus health center or a healthcare provider to identify vaccines recommended for young adults.

3. Boost Your Immune System

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to provide the nutrients your body needs to fight infections.
• Get enough sleep (7–9 hours per night) to help your immune system function optimally.
• Exercise regularly to improve overall health and resilience.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or physical activity, as chronic stress can weaken your immune defenses.

4. Practice Safe Habits in Shared Spaces

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in dorm rooms or apartments, such as doorknobs, keyboards, and countertops.
• Avoid sharing personal items like drinking bottles, utensils, towels, or razors, which can spread germs.
• In communal living situations, regularly launder clothing, towels, and bed linens.

5. Protect Yourself During Social Activities

• Limit close contact with people who are sick. If you’re feeling unwell, stay home and avoid attending classes or events.
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, particularly during cold and flu season.
• Use condoms and practice safe sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

When to Seek Medical Help

While many infectious diseases can be managed with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications, some symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Here are situations when you should seek help from a healthcare provider or campus health center:

1. High Fever

   • A fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher is considered dangerous and requires medical attention.
   • Seek help if a fever is accompanied by severe symptoms, such as a stiff neck, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

2. Persistent Symptoms

   • Diarrhea that lasts more than two days or is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or signs of dehydration (e.g., dizziness, dry mouth, or little to no urination).
   • Vomiting that persists for more than 24 hours or prevents you from keeping down fluids.
   • A cough that lasts more than three weeks or worsens over time, especially if accompanied by chest pain or difficulty breathing.

3. Adverse Reactions

   • Seek immediate care if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to food, medications, or insect bites/stings, including:
     • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
     • Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
     • Rapid heartbeat or dizziness
   • Contact a healthcare provider if you develop a rash, itching, or swelling after starting a new medication, as these can indicate an allergic reaction.

4. Unusual Swelling or Pain

   • Swelling that doesn’t improve or continues to worsen over time, particularly in the lymph nodes (e.g., in the neck, armpit, or groin), could indicate an infection or other health concern.
   • Pain or swelling around a wound that becomes red, warm, or oozes pus may signal an infection requiring antibiotics.

5. Severe Respiratory Symptoms

   • If you have trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, especially if these symptoms come on suddenly or are severe, seek immediate medical care.
   • Persistent sore throat with difficulty swallowing or swollen tonsils may require evaluation for strep throat or another bacterial infection.

6. Neurological Symptoms

   • Seek help for severe headaches, particularly if accompanied by a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, or nausea, which could indicate meningitis.
   • Sudden confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty staying awake are emergency signs that require immediate attention.

7. Unexplained or Worsening Symptoms

   • If you feel unusually fatigued, experience unexplained weight loss, or notice symptoms that don’t fit a typical illness, consult a healthcare provider.
   • Any rash that spreads quickly, changes appearance, or is accompanied by fever should be evaluated.

What to Do If You’re Unsure

If you're uncertain whether your symptoms require medical attention, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Many campuses have health centers where you can describe your symptoms and get advice. Alternatively, online symptom checkers or telemedicine consultations can help guide you to the appropriate care.