Illness Prevention During Your Winter Break

Over the winter break, you can expect to experience a change in routine, diet, sleep, and exposure to different environments. This can lead to certain common health issues.

Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections

Traveling, crowded airports, colder weather, and being indoors more often all increase exposure to viruses. This can lead to symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue. The symptoms could be a sign of the common cold or more serious viruses like the Flu or COVID.

To lower your chances of catching one of these, make sure you are diligent in washing your hands and keeping your immune system strong. Some simple tips you can use to boost your immune system include sleeping 7 – 9 hours each night and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule. This helps your body maximize its prime immune building work. During deep sleep, your body produces and releases important immune cells that help fight inflammation and infections. When you sleep less, the production of those important immune cells drops, resulting in your body having a slower and weaker response to threats.

Digestive Issues (Upset Stomach, Bloating, Constipation)

Your diet may change while away from college. This can lead to digestive issues due to overeating, richer foods, less fiber, and irregular meals. It is also common during the holidays to eat high-calorie foods, slip into emotional eating, or simply get away from your routine that can lead to unhealthy eating habits. To reduce the chance of developing digestive issues, drink water throughout the day — it helps with digestion and energy. Enjoy holiday treats, but don’t skip meals or overload on sugar for days on end. Also, try the 80/20 rule: 80% nutritious meals, 20% fun indulgences.

Mental Health Struggles (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Going home or simply away from college for the winter break can be stressful. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can kick in due to shorter days and less sunlight. Academic burnout may catch up with you too when the pace slows down. A great way to combat SAD is to try to get sunlight, maintain some physical activity, and talk to someone if you’re struggling. If it turns out to be more, don’t hesitate to reach out to FAU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and schedule an appointment by visiting their office (2nd floor of the Breezeway, above the food court), online at https://www.fau.edu/counseling/,  or by calling 561-297-2277.

If you find you are fighting a cold or other issue when you return from Winter Break, you can schedule an appointment with a provider at your Student Health Clinic by visiting https://shs-portal.fau.edu or call or visit one of our clinic locations:

Boca Raton Clinic 561-297-3512

2nd Floor Across from the Food Court, SS-8W, Room 240

 

Davie Clinic 954-236-1556

Student Union, SD Room 206

 

Jupiter Campus 561-799-8678

Student Resources Building, SR Room 106