Preparing your son or daughter for college is essential. Knowing that they understand the dangers they face is important. They should be prepared at all costs, and this means to keep them aware of the dorm health hazards that might be lurking around the corners. Many different things can be spread from person to person and it can become a health hazard. Becoming aware of the dangers that lurk around campus can help the college student better prepare and keep away from potential hazards. Here are some of the most prominent hazards college students face.
Meningitis
Meningitis is spread by bacteria and can be a potentially fatal infection that will affect membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can spread the same way as the flu and become just as threatening. Look into getting a meningitis vaccination, wash your hands frequently, make sure to wipe surfaces down, eat healthy, get sleep enough, and make sure to stay clear of those that are sick to protect yourself against meningitis.
The Kissing Disease
This is also known as mononucleosis and can keep you in bed for four to six weeks. Sometimes, students might not even realize that they have it; the symptoms can be mild. It can be spread through kissing or close contact with someone who has . Always make sure to wash your hand thoroughly and avoid any mouth to mouth contact directly or indirectly.
Colds and Flu
Since dorms can sometimes be small, a cold can be the easiest things to catch. These conditions are passed through droplets of vapor that are breathed in and everything that the vapors touch will be infected with the virus. To protect against the flu and common colds, always make sure to wash your hands several times throughout the day. Face masks can also help prevent the spread of germs.
Mold
Mold might be one of the biggest hazards for students living in apartment housing. Mold that is living in the walls can be extremely dangerous to your health. Having mold can be a large problem for people that have allergies, asthma, and other lung and breathing conditions. Keeping small areas dry and clean including clothes, bathrooms, porches, and kitchens will help prevent the spread of mold and mildew from around the home.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny bugs that live in mattresses and thrive off of human blood. They are found amongst a lot of college dorms. They are expensive to get rid of since a professional is needed. They might seem hard to get rid of, but they are even harder to prevent from coming in. This is because bed bugs show up for no apparent reason, while other bugs and pests come in when the living conditions are dirty or there is food left out. Try to avoid used furniture and make sure to check luggage, it can help prevent an infestation from happening. If you find that you already have bed bugs it is recommended that you wash all of your linens and clothes in hot water. Having a mattress cover might also come in handy in preventing the spread of bed bugs.
Athlete’s Foot
Always wear flip flops in public showers. Fungus that spreads athlete’s foot will live and thrive in wet and warm environments such as a locker room or shower.
Sleep Deprivation
It is not uncommon to find students pulling all nighters in order to finish their college term papers or projects. The college lifestyle is often busy due to school work and an active social life. To fix this problem, students should find a study and sleeping pattern that is steady and works for them. Depending on age and other factors it depends on how much sleep an idividual may need. Eight hours is recommended for each night.
Binge Drinking
Since there are no parents and minimal adults on campus, a lot of times freshman turn into binge drinkers. More than 90% of the alcohol consumed by students under the age of 21 is considered binge drinking. Drinking too much alcohol is dangerous for your body and can be fatal. GPAs suffer, and the student faces liver and dehydration problems. To solve this issue it is important to know your tolerance to alcohol which varies with each and every person. The very best solution to this: if you’re under 21, do not drink.
STD’s
It is always important to practice safe sex. Around 25% of students on campus have an STD. The most common of these is HPV or the human papillomavirus, followed by Chlamydia. You cannot get one of these STDs from bed sheets or a toilet seat. All STDs are passed through sexual contact. How to prevent this: use condoms at all times because the pill might not be effective in pregnancy and it does not protect against STDs. Abstinence is the only way to 100% prevent yourself from contracting an STD.
