Students trying to stay healthy during cold and flu season can take steps as simple as hand washing.

Kathy Antunovich, director of the TriCounty Community Health Center in Malta, said practicing good hygiene is essential to staying healthy.

“Hand washing is extremely important,” Antunovich said. “It ‘mechanically’ removes sources of infection, and it prevents you from getting an infection. It also prevents you from passing infection to another person.”

Avoiding contact with people who are infected with a cold or flu is also important.

“You should wash your hands when in contact with any person who has a cut, sore or lesion on his or her body,” Antunovich said. “Most importantly, wear protection when having sex.”

Economics graduate student Eva Herrera said she tries to stay healthy by keeping active.

“I play sports three hours a week,” Herrera said. “I also try to eat fruits and dress properly during the winter time.”

Senior economics major Jaime Garcia agreed with Herrera.

“I maintain an active level of physical activity in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Garcia said.

Students who feel ill should seek medical attention so they do not spread their germs, Antunovich said.

“It is always good to know if your illness can be passed on to another person,” Antunovich said. “Sometimes simple infection control measures can help prevent the spread of infection to others.”

Serious illnesses require medical attention, but there are alternatives to doctor’s visits for minor colds.

“If you are sick, it is not always necessary to see a doctor,” Antunovich said. “Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are competent, licensed professionals that diagnose and treat almost any illness. They provide comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. They can write a prescription for medications, including controlled substances.”

In addition to seeking medical attention when sick, Antunovich said the common cold and flu are viral diseases and are usually not treated with antibiotics.

“Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections,” Antunovich said. “This does not mean that someone with a cold or the flu will never receive an antibiotic, but antibiotics are not given to treat the flu or the common cold.”

Health education is also an important factor in staying healthy.

“The more you know about colds and the flu, the easier it will be for you to guard against getting an infection this winter,” Antunovich said. “Or, if you do get an infection, education will help to prevent the spread of your infection to others.”