Despite the lack of snow, it’s winter. And that means cold season.

Elisabeth Schafer, professor of food science and human nutrition, said to avoid sickness, students need to think about good nutrition, get enough sleep, exercise daily and – most importantly – drink water.

To keep the immune system up to par, people should eat according to the food pyramid, Schafer said.

People tend to forget to include the right amounts of fruits and vegetables in their daily diets, she said.

“At least five per day,” Schafer said, “and that doesn’t just mean orange juice.”

Water is also very important, and people should drink six to eight glasses per day, she said.

“I see a lot of students carrying around water bottles, and I think that is wonderful,” Schafer said.

Sleep is another factor, and Schafer recommended seven to eight hours every night.

Many students are sleep deprived, she said, “and a lack of sleep weakens the immune system.”

Daily exercise also will keep the immune system in good condition, Schafer said.

Deb Power, adjunct instructor of health and human performance, said exercise helps keep people both physically and psychologically healthy.

“We know there is a link between the reduction of stress and prevention of sickness,” she said.

Rest is important during illness, but busy students can’t be down long and medication can assist in getting people back on their feet. Veronica McGee, a pharmacist at the Hy-Vee Food and Drug Store, 3800 W. Lincoln Way, said students should choose medications according to the symptoms experienced.

“Antihistamines will stop the runny nose and drainage in the back of the throat,” she said.

Students often request something that won’t make them drowsy, but McGee said she suggests students take the medications that offer four hours of relief first. If that medication works, move up to the 12-hour relief medications, she said.