Winter brings not only snow and slippery sidewalks, it also brings sniffles, coughs and the flu to many Iowa State students.

Entering the cold and flu season, experts say students need to learn how to combat these ailments and take overall better care of themselves.

“The temperatures dictate that we are all indoors, and when you’re indoors there are more chances of respiratory infections being transmitted,” said Dr. Malhar S. Gor‚, physician at the Student Health Center.

Students need to be aware of the symptoms they are having and need to learn how to treat them properly, Gor‚ said.

“Symptoms usually start out the same for most infections,” he said. “It just depends on how things progress from that point.”

Gor‚ said the longer symptoms persist and the more severe they become, the higher the possibility that a doctor’s visit is in order.

“Sometimes the symptoms can last a week to 10 days,” he said, “but if the symptoms worsen perhaps it’s not just a cold, but something that needs more attention.”

There are many ways students can control their environments and try to combat the spread of infection, Gor‚ said.

“Turning your face when you cough, disposing of coughed-in articles appropriately and not sharing food and utensils are all important,” he said.

Washing your hands also is important, Gor‚ said, because infection spreads easily by touch.

Rebecca Lang, temporary instructor in health and human performance, said getting adequate sleep also can fend off infection.

“Plenty of regular rest, not just four hours every night, and catching up on the weekend” is very important in staying healthy, she said.

Plenty of fruits and vegetables also are important, Lang said.

“[Fruits and vegetables] are nutrient-rich with few calories,” she said. “They have fiber and vitamins naturally.”

Exercise also is important, Gor‚ said, but not when a person is sick.

“If you’re ill and you exercise, you simply retard the healing process. When you have a fever, you end up sweating,” he said. “And then if you go out and exercise, you sweat and have insensible fluid loses. It can be a vicious circle. You get more dehydrated, feel sick and you throw up.”

The influenza season also is starting up soon, Gor‚ said, and it is important for students to get a flu shot.

The Student Health Center is offering a flu clinic, in which a limited supply of flu shots will be given free of charge to students.

It will be held in the Memorial Union from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 11 and Oct. 15.

When students feel as if they are coming down with something, there are a few important things to do, Gor‚ said.

“Fluids, adequate nutrition, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure and monitoring symptoms are key,” he said. “Of course avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs, all things that irritate your system. Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene is the key, hand-washing being the key thing.”