A busy college lifestyle doesn’t leave much time for things like battling illness, but for Heather Hurst, musical theater junior, her first two months of college entailed exactly that.

Hurst lived in Walker Tower and suffered from an unknown sickness until November of her freshmen year, when she decided the dorm room was the root of her problems.

“It was the fact that my dorm was so mold-infested,” she said. “I constantly had drainage and constantly was hoarse. I finally realized it was the place I was sleeping in that was keeping me sick.”

Hurst moved to a renovated room in Couch Center once she discovered the cause of her symptoms. Her new roommate had a dehumidifier, which made a remarkable difference in her health, she said.

“It was kind of bizarre how immediately I got more healthy,” she said.

Illness is naturally more prevalent in close living quarters like the residence halls because it’s easier to spread viruses or bacteria, Maggie Pool, Health Promotion Coordinator said in an e-mail.

In addition, living away from home for the first time may contribute to an increase in illnesses among freshmen students, said Laurence Burnsed, director of the Communicable Disease Division for the Oklahoma State Department of Health. In their new college lifestyles, students may skimp on basic healthy activities, ultimately running down their immune systems.

Students can prevent the spread of infectious diseases by remembering to engage in a few simple health habits, Burnsed said.

“Hand hygiene is one of the most important things when it comes to infectious disease,” he said. “Clean your hands often using soap and water, and cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.”

Pool said it is especially important for people to wash their hands before preparing or eating food, after blowing their nose or using the restroom and before touching their eyes, nose or mouth. If soap and water is not available, Pool recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

In addition, students should get plenty of sleep, drink enough fluids and eat a nutritious diet, Pool said. Getting an influenza vaccine is equally important.

“You’re protecting yourself and everybody else that you interact with throughout flu season by getting a flu shot,” said Susan Mendus, education director for the immunization service for Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Most doctors and clinics will have the vaccine available by September. Flu season extends from September to April, usually peaking between December and March, Mendus said.

“If you don’t get your flu shot by November, it’s not too late,” she said. “You should still get it whenever you can.”

Flu shots can help keep students from missing classes they might skip if they were sick, Mendus said.

Illness can wreak havoc on students’ schoolwork, as Hurst found out. Singing is a significant part of her major, and she said her cold and congestion made classes a challenge.

“I couldn’t get the sound that I wanted,” she said. “I couldn’t advance in my classes and my voice lessons. It did hinder me.”

Since illness is sometimes inevitable, Burnsed said students should use extra caution when they are sick.

“Staying home in your dorm when you’re sick can avoid spreading illness,” Burnsed said.

Although missing class may not always be an option, Burnsed recommends at least staying home from other extracurricular events and resting as much as possible.

“At the least, they should definitely wash their hands on a regular basis and keep tissues with them,” he said. “They should certainly be aware of others around them.”

Also, following up with a physician is important to limit the duration of the infection, Burnsed said.

“Whether that be on-campus health care or a private physician, [students] should follow medications exactly and take them according to directions,” Burnsed said.

Hurst said medications and vitamins helped when she was sick.

“I didn’t go to any doctors other than my doctor at home, who gave me decongestants,” she said

Burnsed said simple habits offer the best protection from illness.

“I just stress healthy eating behaviors, having a physically active lifestyle and appropriate sleep,” he said. “That can really help maintain a strong, healthy immune system.”