There is an unpleasant flurry of things floating around in the air this week on campus, and I’m not talking about Post-Rumpus Depression. The health center has been receiving some major traffic, as the shift in temperature, lack of sleep and screaming during rumpus, mixed with the close proximity of people in dorms has created a nasty concoction of sickness.

Here are some tips from Nurse Kim Hawkins to stay healthy in this time of change.

1. Wash your hands. “Throughout Rumpus you’re sharing and touching everything, and kids aren’t washing their hands, so the number one thing to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands,” Nurse Hawkins said.
2. Get Sleep. The reason so many people get sick after Rumpus weekend is due to the lack of sleep students get, and it breaks down our immune system. Want to build it back up? Nurse Hawkins suggests that you take a nap.
3. Hand Sanitizer. “If you’re in a situation where you can’t wash your hands. I would suggest keeping some hand sanitizer in your pocket,” Nurse Hawkins recommends.
4. Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is key to taking care of your body and fighting off the germs that are trying to attack your system
5. Cover your mouth when you are coughing. “A lot of people I see them walking around campus, and they cough and they’re not covering their mouth, so they’re spreading the germs,” Nurse Hawkins said. She suggests her personal favorite position to cover a cough, the chicken wing. The chicken wing also happens to be a similar position to the dab, so you can help stop the circulation of sickness, while also being cool with your friends.

Many of these tips may seem obvious, or like things that students learn in Kindergarten; however, the behavior shown by students during this recent outbreak proves everyone needs a reminder.