‘Tis the season. No, not the season where Christmas decorations begin popping up in stores a full season before the holidays. The season of giving. The giving of illness and disease.

It’s pretty much inevitable that you’re going to get at least some case of the sniffles over the next few weeks if you haven’t already. But that doesn’t mean that preventative measures should not be taken to minimize the risk of spreading germs both to yourself and from yourself.

First of all, go to see a doctor. And nobody wants to hear the excuse that you’re a broke college kid. For those unaware, the college provides an awesome health center, with access to both a nurse and a Physician’s Assistant, all covered in your school fees. We may all agree and argue that there are plenty of stupid fees here, but the health fee is not one of those. Take advantage of it and get the proper diagnosis to your ailments and illnesses.

And take the proper medications. You don’t have to break the bank for some Dayquil or Tylenol, and filling a prescription after a trip to our lovely P.A. can be done for rather cheap as well. And again, the college offers a multitude of freebies. A trip to the nurse can net you some medicine like ibuprofen or sudafed for free. Sure, there are people who will not so much as pop an Advil due to their distrust and disbelief in western medicine, but that seems a pretty empty choir to be preaching to on this campus.

Lastly, stay home if you’re unbearably bad. I am putting this editorial together from the comfort of my germ-ridden bed at the moment, while the rest of the editorial staff puts in the extra work to make our paper as great as it has been every week this year (thanks again, guys). Sure, they wish I was there to do my part, but they are glad I am not there to spread my strep throat-infused germs. Doctor’s notes are a foolproof way to excuse yourself from class, or maybe even work, depending on your job. It’s not advisable to miss an exam or something of similar importance, but most instructors and professors will excuse you from a regular class session if you have proof of illness.

Just don’t be a tool and take advantage of the doctor’s note. Nobody likes that guy, and it only takes one bad apple to ruin the whole bunch.

Mason Schweizer for The Wayne Stater