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College Survival Guide
Hygiene 101: Do’s and Don’ts to Help You Avoid Getting Sick

Preferred Care wants to help you stay as healthy as possible while you’re at school. By taking a few easy precautions, you can steer clear of many of the common health risks on campus.

DO always use disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Use each tissue only once, and throw it away in an appropriate container.  Do not throw it in the toilet, where bacteria may exist for long periods of time, then be released into the air when the toilet is flushed.

DO wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, since bacteria can live on your hands for long periods of time.

DON’T use public toilets if at all possible, and always close the lid before flushing.  Be aware that flushing can cause "aerosols" or liquid droplets to be dispersed in the air.

DO run tap water or shower for two to three minutes if you are the first to use them in the morning, and stay away from the basin or shower stall to avoid "aerosols" that may disperse bacteria in the basin or stall.

DON’T share glasses, soda cans or eating utensils with anyone.

DO know what does not come out in the wash - the STD commonly referred to as Crabs can be transmitted through public washing machines! Add 1 tablespoon of bleach to your wash after the water fills the washer to prevent the STD and kill bacteria. As long as the washer is filled with water, the bleach will not harm your clothes.

DO keep basic first aid supplies on-hand: Band-Aids® in assorted sizes, Ace® bandages, hand sanitizer, Ibuprofen (Advil®), Acetaminophen (Tylenol®), Antacids (Tums®, Pepto-Bismol®), Diacritics (Imodium-AD®), Hydrogen Peroxide and Multi-Vitamins.

DON’T leave home without your Preferred Care membership card - it provides information about your coverage, and includes the name of your Primary Care Physician (PCP) to call in case you do get sick. 

What should you do for an injury or an unexpected illness?

• Call your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or go to the school’s infirmary or health center first.  

• Even at night and on weekends, your PCP or an “on call” physician is available by telephone.  If your PCP (or on-call physician) directs you to an emergency room or other health care provider, he or she will submit an approved referral to Preferred Care.  This assures the claim for your treatment will be paid, even if the situation turns out not to be an emergency.

• In an emergency, get immediate medical attention.  Follow up with your PCP within 48 hours, or as soon as possible.

Posted: March 2004