These days, it seems like almost everyone on campus is stockpiling boxes of Kleenex, popping cough drops like candy, or just generally suffering from some kind of epidemic. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy as flu season storms onward.

1. Get a flu shot. Conveniently, Dick’s House is offering free vaccinations this week. Sign up online now before spaces fill up.

2. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E keep your immune system strong. Fresh-squeezed orange juice from the juicer is particularly delicious.

3. Sleep! Though easier said than done, especially with this month’s avalanche of papers and midterms, getting at least seven to eight hours per night will strengthen your immune system. Don’t resort to using caffeine as a substitute for rest — King Arthur Flour addicts, you know who you are.

4. Wash your hands. Sure, you’ve heard it a million times, and for good reason — washing your hands frequently, especially before you eat, is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other nasty microbes. Do it.

5. Avoid unnecessary stress. Again, not exactly effortless in practice, but do your best to avoid procrastinating and keep your workload under control. Excessive stress wears down your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Revamping your study habits may also even boost your performance on midterms — and that’s multi-tasking at its finest.