Get ahead of the ‘freshman flu,’ and set yourself up for success!
Living in residence offers a supportive academic and social environment, but it also creates conditions where illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19 can spread quickly. Students share dining halls, study rooms, bathrooms, lounges, and elevators, and it only takes a few sick individuals to affect an entire floor or building. As colder weather arrives and more people spend time indoors, taking care of your health becomes especially important. Fortunately, there are many simple and effective ways to reduce your risk of getting sick while still enjoying the fullness of campus life.
Where to get vaccinated in Sackville
Mount Allison’s flu shot clinic was held on Sunday, Nov.2, 2025 in partnership with Dr. Sylvie LeBlanc, offering free influenza vaccines to students, staff, and faculty.
Guardian The Corner Drug Store, located at 106 Main St., offers both COVID-19 and flu shots. Students can book by phone, and the pharmacy is only a short walk from campus. Their contact number is +1 506 536 2255.
PJC Jean Coutu at 97 Main St.so provides COVID-19 vaccines, flu vaccines, and general pharmacy services. They are open daily and make booking straightforward for students with busy schedules. Their contact number is +1 506 536 0230.
What you can do to stay healthyOne of the most effective ways to protect yourself from influenza and COVID-19 is to stay up to date with your vaccinations. Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and help limit spread among people who live in close proximity. In addition to vaccination, hand hygiene continues to be one of the simplest and most powerful prevention tools. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water removes germs that linger on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons, microwaves, desks, and shared electronics. When you cannot wash your hands, carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer is a convenient alternative.
Another important step is being mindful of how often you touch your face. Viruses commonly enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. It is also helpful to regularly clean your personal items such as your phone, laptop, water bottle, and headphones, as these surfaces collect germs throughout the day. Similarly, wiping down shared residence spaces like kitchens, study rooms, and bathroom counters helps limit how easily viruses spread within the building.
Maintaining space in crowded areas can also help to reduce your exposure. While campus life is highly social, choosing a less crowded table in Jennings, taking a different seat in a lounge, or avoiding close contact with someone who is ill, are small choices that protect your health.
If you do start to feel unwell, the most important thing you can do for yourself and others is to rest and remain in your room. Additionally, improving ventilation in your room also helps decrease the concentration of airborne viruses. Even opening a window for a few minutes each day allows fresh air to circulate. Fans can keep air moving, and air purifiers add an extra layer of protection in small spaces. Beyond environmental measures, supporting your immune system through healthy habits makes a noticeable difference. Getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, eating regular meals, spending time outdoors, and managing stress all strengthen your body’s natural defenses.
Finally, be mindful of what you share. Personal items like drinks, utensils, towels, and lip balms can transfer viruses quickly. It may feel harmless in the moment, but sharing these items is one of the most common ways people unintentionally spread colds and the flu. Setting simple boundaries protects not only your health but also the well-being of your friends and floormates.
Why It Matters in Residence
Illness spreads far more rapidly in residence than in most living environments because students interact constantly and share many small spaces throughout the day. When one person becomes sick, it is very easy for germs to travel through lounges, bathrooms, classrooms, and dining hall tables. By taking everyday precautions, you help reduce outbreaks and keep your community stronger and healthier. These habits benefit your academic success, your social life, and the overall well-being of the residence.
Cold, flu, and COVID-19 season does not have to disrupt your semester. Small, consistent actions like washing your hands, getting vaccinated, improving ventilation, and staying home when you are sick can significantly reduce your risk. These habits protect not only your own well-being but also the broader campus community. Stay healthy, Mounties!