Be original; don't get sick this winter season

Have you had your orange juice today? Well, maybe you should have. For the past couple weeks it seems like everyone on campus is sick - literally everyone. It's far worse than just a germy roommate - it's entire floors and residence halls. Germs are out of control and students need to do something to stop the sickness.

Every other student seems to have the flu or rhinovirus. Both viruses are extremely contagious and can easily be spread with close living conditions such as those in the residence halls on campus. If you consider how many doorknobs, faucets and bathroom stalls are touched every day, it is easy to see why the viruses have spread so quickly.

The flu is spread like any typical cold. It is released into the air whenever a carrier coughs or sneezes. You can also catch it by touching something that an infected person has touched, then by touching your nose or mouth. People become contagious a day before symptoms are shown and up to a week after they are gone.

The rhinovirus is similarly spread. It can be caught by sharing drinks, food or utensils with an infected person. Similar to the flu, it can also be caught by touching an infected surface then touching your nose or mouth. Keep in mind that you begin to be contagious as soon as you feel the symptoms up until two weeks after symptoms are gone.

So if you haven't gotten sick yet and you want to avoid doing so, there are several health conscious steps you can take. First of all, get out your hand sanitizer. The majority of illnesses are spread through touching, but if you are aware of the countless germs around campus, you can limit your touching. Avoid touching your nose or mouth regardless of how immune you think you are.

Another tip is to always wash your hands. No, we are not in kindergarten, but the key is to wash your hands properly.

Have you ever actually read all those signs our wonderful CA's put in the bathroom? If you haven't, they say to rub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds - getting your hands wet for three seconds doesn't cut it. Then you are supposed to turn off the faucet with a paper towel to keep your hands germ free. Yes, it's way too complicated for me, too - but it sure beats lying on the bathroom floor vomiting for two days.

Another good idea is to clean your room. If you or your roommate has been sick, or your sick friend spent way too much time over last weekend, it would be good to do some disinfecting. Lysol works wonders for some quick germ killing and Windex is a close second. Also, make sure to clean your sheets, comforter and pillowcases - it's definitely worth the $1.25 and trip downstairs. Don't forget to clean all dishes and water bottles that could have possibly been touched. It's also important to go for a trash search through your entire room, paying close attention to used tissues and old cans. These are all good lessons to learn whether they keep you healthy or not - especially the cans rule, that's just gross.

Sadly, there are no ways to cure the rhinovirus. However, you should always remember to get your flu shot. It's too late now, but vaccinations are available every fall. If you've ever had the flu, you can attest to how worthwhile the shot really is.

During this extremely contagious time, do your best to keep your germs to yourself please. And to everyone who is still healthy: you most likely are not immune, so watch out. Hand sanitizer should officially become your new best friend.