Did you know that schools are one of the top germ-infested places? With thousands of people walking the same halls, touching the same doorknobs, and using the same computers, germs can easily be transferred all throughout the campus. This alone makes schools a perfect home for germs, but for college students that live on campus– this can be your worst nightmare. Because some students physically live on campus, the germs are never ending! With the cold season upon us, this is why it is imperative to try and avoid bacteria at all costs. Unfortunately, you can’t run from every single germ, but you can try your best to stay as clean as possible and help out those around you.
Here’s a list of ways you can avoid some of those pesky germs around the school campus.
- Carry Wet Wipes
Carrying around a small pouch or individually wrapped wet wipes come in handy for desks, computer keyboards, or doorknobs around campus. Wipe your surfaces before and after use to avoid any germs from anyone before you.
- Carry a Handheld Sanitizer
Next time you visit your local store, check to see if they have mini handheld bottles of hand sanitizer. Sometimes they come with a holder that can loop around your keys or bag handles which is perfect for students on the go. This can be used after eating lunch or a quick snack in between classes. This is also convenient for after coughing or blowing your nose in class.
- Use the Excused Elbow
Avoid directly coughing and sneezing without covering your mouth. It is highly recommended not to use your hands to cover your mouth because the germs will transfer to your hands and whatever you touch after. Instead, use the “excused elbow” method by raising your elbow up and coughing or sneezing into your arm instead.
- Build Up Your Immune System
Eating certain foods such as yogurt, ginger, and broccoli can help strengthen your immune system. Go visit our list of more foods that help boost your immune system.
- Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is a must due to how many things you touch a day. Make sure when you come home, wash your hands before touching anything else to avoid anything outside coming into your home.
- Wash Your Face
Washing your face is for more than just avoiding acne. Germs are spread into the air everyday and it can get into your nose or mouth, immediately traveling to your sinuses. Washing your face every night can help avoid any germs traveling to your pillow, where you’d breathe it in continuously.
- Avoid Outside Clothes On Your Bed
The average student sits down in a different seat about 10 times a day outside of their home. With thousands of students occupying the same seats germs are easily transferred and sometimes your clothes will have literal dirt on them. It is crucial that you avoid sitting and laying in your bed to ensure you do not transfer any of those germs to your bed. Consider keeping a drawer of lounge clothes to change into after or in between classes while you’re at home.
- Do Homework At Your Desk
You have to be mindful of how many times you put your books on different desks in classes and put your bags on the floor. You wouldn’t want any of those germs traveling to your bed or couch, where you lay. Try keeping your work at the desk so you can wipe it down afterwards.
Being a student is already a handful and the last thing you need is a sore throat to go with it. It is important that you stay mindful of how easily germs travel and can be transferred to other students or staff. One clean action can go a long way, so remember these suggestions next time you are walking around campus.
Written by: Kayla Pool
