Urgh — I feel horrible.
Your Leeds survival guide for looking after yourself when you feel rough.
It’s that time of year — you know, when your throat feels like you’ve been gargling with broken glass and that cough is so annoying that you fear the police will be knocking on your door to see if you’ve got an injured walrus hidden in your bathroom.
Whether it’s a freshers’ flu, a lingering cold, or one of those mysterious “I just feel grim” weeks, looking after yourself matters the most.
Listen to your body
Your body is telling you something. This isn’t about you being dramatic or pathetic; it’s time to rest and put yourself first. Worried about missing a lecture/Mint Warehouse/your fave society social? If you act early enough, you might be able to feel better by then, but if not then that’s OK.
Everyone gets ill, and instead of pushing through and making it worse, take action now. Let your school know, message your friends and then rest. The sooner you act, the quicker you’ll be back to normal.
What to do next, and where to actually get medication
You’ve tried an early night and you’re still blowing your nose several hundred times an hour. What now?
Speak to your family and friends if you can — a reassuring voice, an understanding person can make you feel a little better and we all need a bit of sympathy now and again.
If your illness doesn’t require a GP, your local pharmacy can help. Pharmacists can give advice without an appointment. They can help with:
- Cold and flu meds
- Painkillers
- Sore throat sprays
- Rehydration sachets
- Advice on what not to mix together (important)
Supermarkets often have cheaper own-brand options that work just as well.
Read labels, follow dosages, and please don’t combine five different things just because TikTok said so, seriously.
When to see a doctor
If symptoms are serious, long-lasting, or getting worse, register with a local GP or use NHS 111 for advice. Going to hospital is for a major emergency only.
Food, sleep and the basics (yes, they matter)
This isn’t about suddenly becoming a wellness influencer with a giant water bottle. It’s about the basics:
- Sleep: Actual sleep. Doomscrolling doesn’t count as sleep.
- Food: At this time of year — why not embrace this cosy and warm time of the year with soups or something delish from the slow cooker? Bananas, the odd handful of frozen veg in your tea and you’ll be doing OK.
- Fluids: Keep drinking — water, your favourite kettle-based drink, smoothies. Go easy on the alcohol, it’s not going to help you feel better.
- Vitamins: Vitamin D and C + iron are good and super cheap — you’ll pick these up at a supermarket.
Your body does a lot of healing behind the scenes, but it needs fuel and rest to do it.
Living with others when you’re ill
You’re already considering embracing your mucus mayhem era and starting a new Insta as a phlegmfluencer, but your friends and flatmates don’t seem as keen. Here are some tips to limit the transmission and spare them the sniffles.
- Wash your hands (boring but effective)
- Wipe shared surfaces if you can
- Use tissues and put them in the bin
- Keep some distance if you’re coughing and sneezing
- Open a window if you’re in a room with others
- Some people and cultures use a face covering to limit the spread of airborne germs
- However tempting it is to take over the sofa with your duvet, don’t be that person to get your whole house sick!
Preventing the next round
A few days in the Eddy B can expose you to all sorts, but a few habits can help:
- Try to keep some sort of sleep routine (even a loose one)
- Eat regularly — skipping meals catches up with you. (If you’re struggling with money and buying food, don’t forget the Essentials hub in LUU for no judgement, respectful support.)
- Manage stress where you can (easier said than done, we know)
- Don’t ignore symptoms just because you’re busy
- Make sure you’re up to date with vaccinations
- Read our guide to staying happy and healthy at Uni by making small changes
Final thoughts
It can feel quite isolating to be poorly and you might worry that it’s just you. It isn’t, and you’re not alone. If you feel that it’s getting you down, then here are a few things to do.
- Drop your school/lecturer/Academic Personal Tutor a message to keep them up date. You’ll feel better with that ticked off your list.
- Speak to your friends and family if you can, or message. A friendly voice or nice message can help you get some perspective.
- Avoid constantly checking ChatGPT/online to find out what’s wrong with you. You know this will tell you a lot of things that will make you feel a whole lot worse that won’t be true. If after a few days you’re still feeling poorly and have been resting then that’s the time to contact your GP.
When you’re feeling better
Build a sick-day/week rescue kit for times like this. Get your painkillers/meds/easy meals/gentle TV shows/books ready so the next time you’re feeling bad, then you’re prepared.
If you’ve not seen a friend or classmate for a few days, check in on them. They might be feeling like you did, and those messages/calls etc can make a big difference!
