Health Essentials for Your College Student: Fighting off those back to school Germs

Written by: Dorian Frackelton

My eldest daughter will be returning to College this year and for those reading, you may have or be a student who is wrapping up the summer, and transitioning into the school year. I’d like to provide a short list of what I consider College Essentials to fend off the inevitable wave of germs, ensuring a strong start to the school year.

“Back to School Essentials: Healthy Kids”

Here is a list of my Immune Boosting must-haves, links are attached to photos. As a mom and provider, these items are recommended by my family and in my practice.

1. Olbas Cough Syrup

Olbas is a natural cough syrup, infused with honey and essential oils. In Texas, the allergy season seems to be year-round, so often my patients are suffering from feelings of post-nasal drip. The essential oils in this product not only decrease cough but can soothe congestion, phlegm, and discomfort from allergies. This is a great alternative to over-the-counter cough and cold medicines that often come with side effects of drowsiness. I find Olbas to work amazingly without causing the feeling of sedation or drowsiness.

2. MYCO Shield Spray Comprehensive Immune Support by Host Defense

I started using MYCO products about 8 years ago. I met a physician in one of the Urgent Care centers where I once worked. She was a brilliant doctor who graduated from Harvard and worked in complementary medicine. She recommended I use this product as well as one other (seen in the next product) to stay healthy when working in an environment that exposes me to so many viruses and germs. I used the MYCO Immune Support products one to two times (maybe even more) a week through COVID-19, and I still use them weekly after I complete an emergency room shift or have high exposure to viruses. This product is amazing, for it provides ingredients that help your body fight off bacteria and viral infections.

MYCO SHEILD Immune Support Spray

This Immune Support Spray is a lifesaver when it comes to boosting your immune system. “Crafted with mycelium from 5 powerful mushrooms for an engaged immune response”, this spray is great for on-the-go immune support. MYCOSHIELD spray is a great natural, non-invasive way to protect your health. 

MYCOMMUNITY  Comprehensive Immune Support Capsules

If you prefer not to use a spray, MYCO Immune Support Capsules are an excellent alternative for maintaining a strong immune system. Easy to take and highly effective, they offer the same robust benefits as the spray, ensuring your immune system is always engaged and ready to defend. 

3. Umka Cold and Flu

This was the second product, that was recommended to me and I have been using this for approximately 10 years. Umcka Cold and Flu is a powerful, plant-based remedy that targets the root cause of your symptoms to help you feel better faster. Made from Pelargonium Sidoides, an herb traditionally used for its medicinal properties, Umcka reduces the severity and allows the body to shed viral infections. Elderberry is utilized as an immune booster. I recommended combining this and the MYCO products for coughs, colds, and especially influenza.

4. Melatonin

Melatonin is a natural product that is produced to assist in keeping healthy sleeping habits. You can find melatonin alone in a pill or capsule form, and also as an ingredient in combined sleep aids. Working swing shifts for the majority of my career, melatonin has been a close companion of mine. I currently use Olly's sleep aid, as It comes in a gummy formula, tastes great, and really helps if you're having trouble sleeping. Whether you need a good night’s rest to recover from illness or you are trying regulate your sleep schedule, Melatonin is a great natural sleep aid. 

Likely, your college student will come down with just about everything when returning to school and the worst feeling is being miles away from your child who is feeling miserable. I like to provide my daughter with a combination of natural immune-supporting alternatives as well as over-the-counter medications. Students may have trouble accessing some of these in the dorm setting. Along with the recommended products above, you may want to consider packing up an ice/cold pack, Band-Aids, and the following over the counter items.

Wishing you and your (babies) college students, good health!!

1. Ibuprofen

This is an anti-inflammatory medication that helps reduce fevers, muscle aches, coughs, colds, and the flu. 

Ibuprofen is helpful for menstrual cramps, the medication helps to decrease prostaglandins which have been attributed to muscle cramping and discomfort.

2. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen works well for fevers, tackling COVID-19, and pain relief. However, it does not have the anti-inflammatory effects found in ibuprofen.

3. Saline Nasal Spray

Saline Nasal Spray can be a lifesaver when overcoming a cold, flu, or just allergies to reduce the risk of sinus infections and ensure a speedy recovery. 

4. Cold and Flu Medication

I recommend a generic cough cold and flu medication for daytime and night.