Fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, any of this sounding familiar?

Winter is here and with it comes the awful sick feeling. The cold and flu season is among us once again. Are you ready for it?

Students can take a few simple steps during these winter months to keep from getting sick or from spending a fortune on getting better.

The first tool for fighting winter illnesses is prevention, which works best if you have health insurance.

If you have no health insurance, you are not alone.

A study by the United States Government Accountability Office  reported that 1.7 million college students from the ages of 18-23 are uninsured.

That is 20 percent of college students in the United States.

Health insurance can be pricey. According to finweb.com, the average monthly payment for individual health insurance plans is $440. Many college students cannot afford the cost.

Students without health insurance are more likely to avoid seeing the doctor at all costs, and when they do, it is in an emergency room, which hikes up the cost.

With or without health insurance, getting a flu shot during the winter helps prevent individuals from getting the infamous flu.

Doctors often stress the importance of getting one of the two types of flu vaccines.

The first is the most common, the flu shot. This shot is of the dead virus and it is shot into the muscle.

The second is the Nasal Spray, also known as LAIV or FluMist.

This spray is made of the weakened virus and it is sprayed into the nostrils.

This spray is recommended for individuals from the ages of 2-49.

Getting a flu vaccine is a great way to defend the body from getting sick.

It is also cheap, and some places give them for as low as $15.

All this information and more can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.

Fresno City College offers some services to students. Services consist of emergency first aid, illness evaluations, treatments and referrals.

There is also emergency care for injuries that happen on campus.

A nurse and dietician are available to students in the Health Services office located next to registration.

Students may set up an appointment for a consultation or to receive a referral on where to go for health care including getting health insurance and going to low- cost clinics.

There are several through out Fresno.

These clinics provide low-cost health services to individuals, including vaccinations and routine health services.

Bottom line is winter is here and it is hard to avoid getting sick, but here are some tips that may make it a bit easier:

1.Wash your hands

People touch several things throughout the day, including contaminated surfaces — a doorknob, a chair, a desk, a bench, etc. Make sure to wash your hands frequently or carry hand sanitizer with you to keep your hands clean and virus free.

2.Avoid contact with sick people

Stay away from friends who are suffering from cold or flu symptoms or else you’ll end up sick!

3.Exercise

 Exercising on a regular basis can boost your immune system and keep you healthy, even if it is just a walk around your neighborhood.

4. Get a flu shot

This is your best bet against the flu. Fight the flu virus and get a flu shot!

5.Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Viruses and infections often spread from touching a contaminated surface and then touching the eye, nose or mouth area.

So, keep your hands clean and keep your hands away from your face.

6.Don’t share cups or glasses

This is common sense; if your friend is sick and you decide to share a soda there is a high possibility that you will end up sick as well.

7.Get a full night’s sleep

Keep your body well-rested and you will feel better.

8. Drink water

Keeping yourself hydrated is always important especially when you are getting sick.

9.Eat well

There are several benefits to eating well, such as having a healthy immune system.

10.Take vitamins

Vitamin C and Zinc supplements are both great for the immune system and helps prevent illnesses.