Doctor’s orders: 8 ways to stay healthy this cold and flu season

Cold and flu season is here—again. Nandini Koka, medical doctor and executive director of Student Health Services at George Mason University, is ready to help. Follow Dr. Koka’s self-care steps to stay healthy this respiratory season.

1. Scrub, scrub, scrub: Wash your hands often with soap and water.

   

2. Please, cover up: Cough and sneeze into your elbow, or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

3. Hands off: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    
4. There’s no place like home: If you have a fever or flu symptoms—stay home.
    
5. Wait it out: Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, unless you need to seek medical care.
    
6. Mask up: If you are unable to stay home when sick, then wear a well-fitting mask around others.
    
7. Take care of yourself: Help keep your immune system strong—stay hydrated, eat a nutritious diet, stay physically active, and get enough sleep.
    

   

8. Protect yourself and others: Get vaccinated this fall with the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine and the updated COVID vaccine. Depending on your age and eligibility, the RSV and pneumonia vaccine are also important. Students can visit Student Health Services to receive the flu vaccine. Faculty, staff, and students can also visit their local pharmacy or primary care doctor if they missed the on-campus vaccination clinics earlier this fall.