The symptoms of the epidemic are spreading throughout campus: A hunched back with tensed shoulders pouring over a semester’s worth of scribbled notes, and bloodshot eyes due to hours of scrolling through old lecture notes on the faces of worn-out and weary students. 

The symptoms of Finals Week Syndrome.

The disease resurfaces about every four months, and thousands and thousands of college students are susceptible to the illness.

The syndrome can also cause students to behave far differently than their normal personality: drinking copious amounts of coffee — much more than the daily allowance of 400 mg of caffeine — showering less, eating more pizza and Doritos after midnight and, the most telling sign of Finals Week Syndrome, spending an unhealthy amount of time sitting in the library.

The stress of Finals Week is unavoidable. Grades, as well as sanity, are at stake. No cure exists, but there are a few coping mechanisms.

We’ve got a few helpful tips and positive thoughts for you to survive this Finals Week.

1. Remember, this too shall pass.

2. Get up and take a walk. Your brain can really only handle so much of that advanced coding class for a certain amount of time — about an hour, actually — so focus 100 percent for an hour then take a 10 minute walk around campus and listen to a few favorite songs.

3. Go to sleep before 11 p.m. OK, realistically, 1 a.m.

4. Whatever you do, do not try to watch Netflix while you study. Your studying and your favorite Scandal character will both feel neglected.

5. Don’t get the extra shot of espresso. You can’t write notes if your hand is twitching with false energy.

6. Use your favorite pen when filling out the study guide.

7. Think to yourself in a different accent when reviewing notes or lecture slides. It makes it more fun.

8. When you’re all done, you’re going to feel as light as the floating feather in Forrest Gump.

9. Eat a cookie.

10. Delete a few apps off your phone to minimize distraction. Just the unnecessary ones and just for the time being. Tinder and Candy Crush can wait until Dec. 19.

11. Wear your favorite article of clothing to the final you are looking forward to the least. It’ll boost your confidence and put at least a little pep in your step.

12. There is a light at the end of the tunnel; it’s called freedom.

Stay calm, push forward and may the curve be ever in your favor.