As midterm exams begin, stress comes easily. This can lead to immune systems becoming susceptible to influenza and the common cold.

Beverly Espe, assistant director of Health Services, advises students to stay healthy during this year’s flu and cold season, which lasts until early spring. Both influenza and the common cold are contagious and viral.

“Students should detect the symptoms and take care of themselves,” Espe said.

Flu symptoms include fever, extreme tiredness, muscle ache, runny nose and cough, she said.

The cold shares some of the same symptoms including running nose, sore throat and cough.

To prevent getting the symptoms of the flu, students should receive a flu shot, she said. Starting Oct. 13, students can receive the shot for $20 at Health Services.

There is no vaccine to prevent the common cold, Espe said, but she offers advice to gain a strong immune system and stay healthy.

Students should eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest, drink eight glasses of water, take vitamins, eliminate stress, avoid touching your nose or mouth after touching an object and cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, she said. Students should also wash their hands often.

“These are good tips for anytime of the year,” Espe said.

Debra Askelson, Health Enchancement health educator, said students are more likely to get sick in the colder and wetter months because people spend more time in closed areas.

“School is in session, students are around each other often all day,” Askelson said. “With so many people in close contact, they are more likely to pass germs.”

Christina Katic, senior pre-physical therapy and health administration major, said she keeps herself healthy during the fall and spring season by following prevention advice.

“I try to stay warm, drink a lot of orange juice for vitamin C,” she said.

Espe said the important prevention advice for students is to eliminate stress, which can be hard for college students who stay up late studying or partying.

“Students need to get rest,” Espe said. “They are opening themselves up for all viral infections.”