Ever notice how one person in class starts coughing... and the next week half the lecture hall sounds the same?
Cold and flu season is part of university life. You share classrooms, residence and public transit with thousands of people every day. Getting sick can feel unavoidable, but there are simple ways to lower your risk.
Whether you're trying to keep up with assignments or simply feel your best, a few healthy habits can go a long way. Use these tips to help protect yourself and the people around you.
Why being proactive matters
University campuses are busy communities where people are constantly interacting. Germs have plenty of opportunities to spread between packed lecture halls, campus events and residence living.
Respiratory illnesses like the common cold, influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV spread primarily through droplets in the air and by touching contaminated surfaces before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Missing even a few days of class because you're sick can mean:
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Falling behind on lectures and coursework
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Missing labs, tutorials, or group meetings
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Increased stress during already busy times
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Spreading illness to classmates, roommates, professors or family members
The good news? Many communicable diseases can be prevented with simple everyday habits.
Did you know? If illness is impacting your ability to meet academic obligations, you can submit a Verification of Condition form.
Small habits make a big difference
Preventing illness doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Consistency is what counts.
Wash your hands often
Soap and water are still one of the best defenses against germs. Wash your hands:
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Before eating
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After using the washroom
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After coughing or sneezing
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After using shared equipment or public transit
If soap isn't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Stay home when you're sick
It can be tempting to push through illness, but staying home when you have a fever or significant symptoms helps protect classmates and gives your body time to recover.
If you must go out to see a doctor or pick-up medication, consider wearing a mask to help prevent the spread of illness to others.
Reminder: Submit a Verification of Condition form and follow-up with your instructor to discuss academic considerations if you will miss assessments or deadlines.
Stay up to date on vaccinations
Annual flu vaccines and recommended COVID-19 vaccinations help reduce your risk of severe illness and can limit the spread across campus. Learn more about recommended vaccines for university students.
Did you know? You can get your seasonal flu vaccine at Health Services.
Support your immune system
Healthy habits help your body fight infection:
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Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep
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Stay hydrated
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Eat balanced meals
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Move your body regularly
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Manage stress when possible
Clean shared spaces
If you're studying in residence or using shared workstations, regularly wipe down high-touch surfaces like desks and keyboards.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Use a tissue or cough into your elbow—not your hands. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash or sanitize your hands afterward.
Antibiotics aren't a cure for cold and flu
Feeling miserable can make it tempting to ask for antibiotics—but antibiotics do not work against viruses, including the common cold, influenza, COVID-19 or most sore throats.
Taking antibiotics when they aren't needed can:
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Cause side effects like stomach upset or allergic reactions
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Kill beneficial bacteria in your body
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Contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making bacterial infections harder to treat in the future
If you're experiencing cold or flu symptoms, focus on getting rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications that help manage symptoms. If your symptoms become severe, last longer than expected, or you're unsure what to do, contact a healthcare provider.
Using antibiotics only when they're medically necessary helps protect both your own and the public’s health.
Your campus health toolkit
You don't have to figure it out alone. If you're feeling unwell or have questions, UWaterloo has resources to help.
Cold and flu season is a reality of campus life. Getting sick doesn't have to be.
These simple habits can make a big difference for you and your campus community:
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Washing your hands
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Staying home when you're ill
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Keeping up with recommended vaccines
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Using antibiotics responsibly
Looking after your health isn't just about avoiding missed classes. It's about helping everyone learn, work and thrive together.
Consider:
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Visit Health Services for medical advice
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Speak with AccessAbility Services or your academic advisor if illness affects your coursework
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Ask the Student Health Pharmacy about over-the-counter medications that may help relieve symptoms
2026 influenza vaccine
Flu vaccination appointments for high-risk groups begin October 27 (see eligibility below). Appointments for the general campus community begin November 3.
Call 519-888-4096 to book your flu shot appointment.
High-risk eligibility (from Public Health guidance)
- All children 6 months to 4 years of age (if registered with the Family Health Clinic)
- All pregnant individuals
- Individuals over the age of 65
- Individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis community, and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis, and their household members
- Members of racialized and other equity-denied communities
- Individuals 6 months of age or older with underlying health conditions
- Health care workers and first responders
