Sep 18, 2013 4 min read

Q.How can I keep from catching a cold? My girlfriend is sick. My mom and brothers are sick. Half my teachers are sick. My coach keeps sneezing during practice. So far I’m fine. Is there a way I can beat this?

17-year-old male

Mary Jo’s response: The common cold is contagious. There are more than 200 viruses that cause it, and they’re easily spread. The Centers for Disease Control states that frequent and thorough hand washing is the most effective way to prevent catching colds, flu and other contagious diseases. You may not realize how often the CDC recommends hand washing. You should wash your hands:

• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing

• Before, during and after preparing food

• Before eating food

• After using the bathroom

• Before and after changing a baby’s diaper

• After handling animals or animal waste

• More frequently if someone in your home is sick

• Before and after caring for someone who is sick

• Before and after treating a cut or wound

Washing hands properly involves these steps:

1. Wet your hands and apply liquid or bar soap.

2. Rub your hands vigorously, scrubbing all surfaces for 15 to 20 seconds, including cleaning under the nails (humming the “Happy Birthday” song twice is recommended).

3. Rinse well and dry your hands. Air dry if no paper towels are available.

4. If no water is available, use hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 percent alcohol.

The CDC also recommends avoiding contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections. It sound as if you’re surrounded! Avoid hugs and close contact as much as possible, though. And good luck!

Q.Should I get a flu shot? I’m in my first semester at college, and my roommate is sick. Is it too late?

18-year-old female

Mary Jo’s response: No, it’s not too late. Your roommate may not have the flu – there are other reasons for feeling unwell. Flu season typically peaks in January or February but can occur as late as May. Early immunization is best, but it’s not too late to get the vaccine in December, January, or even later.

Check out your college’s health clinic for flu shot availability.

There are two types of vaccines, the injection (shot) and the nasal spray. Both protect against the same virus strains. Your health-care provider can recommend your best protection.

The vaccination takes about two weeks to work (antibodies need to develop in the body). You are still at risk for flu during those two weeks. Follow the suggestions on hand washing in the response to Question 1.

You’re facing one of the most common high-risk times for infection – entering college. Your parents may remember your reaction to your first school experience (kindergarten or first grade). Typically children “bring home” colds and flu when first exposed to people outside of their family. College broadens a young adult’s horizons; people from many cultures and geographic areas are together. Unfortunately that also increases a student’s exposure to viruses and germs. College students share bathrooms, live in confined spaces and touch classroom items that have been handled by many other students.

You can help your body fight infection by:

• Getting enough sleep: College students are notorious for staying up late and pulling all-nighters. Lack of sleep can increase susceptibility to infection.

• Eating a healthy diet: It’s easy to fall into a “pizza, soda, pizza, chips, more pizza” routine when away from home for the first time. Take time for veggies and fruit.

• Cutting down on stress: Increased stress can lower our immunity for disease.

• Avoid using drugs or alcohol: Binge drinking and substance abuse also negatively affects our immune systems.

The good news is your body will adjust. Have fun, enjoy learning and stay healthy!