College is a great place to share knowledge, creativity, and ideas. Out of all the concerns, between studies and other activities, it is almost apparent that health is not always the first priority of college students.
Unfortunately, university dorms provide a very conducive environment for diseases to spread. It can introduce a variety of diseases that students are highly unlikely to suffer from in their own homes. College health issues are more common that one might assume. Overwhelmed by their responsibilities, it is not always that students seek help either. For the same reasons, you are better off taking prevention than care.
Here are the most common diseases among students that one needs to be aware of.
1. Flu and Fever
A flu virus can easily thrive on any campus with students sharing the accommodation, and food. Especially in the first few weeks, when newcomers from all over the world start their life together at one place, the chances are high for a flu outbreak. It could lead to headache, cold, fever, and cough, leaving you bedridden for days.
It is not always possible to prevent flu in college. Staying away from gatherings might help, but that is not essentially practical advice for students. So if you are stuck, make sure to stay hydrated and take paracetamol to bring down the temperature. In severe cases, it is highly recommended to check with a doctor.
2. Meningitis
The bacterial variety of Meningitis, the Meningococcal meningitis can develop rapidly and spread in the college atmosphere. It leads to inflammation of brain lining and should be attended to medical care immediately. The symptoms usually range from headache to stiff neck, high temperature, and vomiting, those which could be ignored as a flue or fatigue. Rashes are also another symptom of Meningitis.
Though a majority of students tend to recover without treatment, it is best to get the advice of a medical professional. Identifying at an early stage and antibiotics could help prevent the infection.
3. Mononucleosis
This common college illness has symptoms of fever, sore throat, and exhaustion. It is another disease that could last for a prolonged time, affecting the performance of both physical and mental health. The infection is also easy to spread. Other than taking reasonable precautions against the flu, the disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is almost impossible to prevent as the virus is inactive in all human bodies, only to become active from time to time depending on conditions of the immune system.
4. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Many studies show that college students have a very high risk of STDs like chlamydia, herpes, or could even lead to infection. It is best to take precautions and minimize the risk by using condoms, which is the only way to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
It would also be in your best interest to take vaccination against HPV and get yearly checkups done for any such diseases.
5. Tinea
Tinea is the name collectively given to diseases caused by fungus. As college dorms usually have shared bathrooms, it is easier for students to get tineas such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm from the shower floor. Always wear footwear while using shared bathrooms. If infected, over the counter medications are available to treat tinea infections.
6. Strep Infection
The causes and symptoms of strep infections are similar to mononucleosis, spreading through shared spaces, and form rooms. Sore throat, fever, and vomiting are typical for the disease. Strep infection responds quickly to the right medication of antibiotics.
7. Mental Health
The stress of college life takes a high toll on the mental health of students. Depression, insomnia, and schizophrenia are among the highest rates in college. Colleges now offer to counsel for those who feel the need to talk to someone. It is essential to seek guidance if you feel helpless in any situation.
While it is not entirely plausible to prevent all diseases, it is best to be aware of the symptoms and the prevention methods. Make it a point to put your health a priority along with academics and college fun.
Piers Golden
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