Key Takeaways

Proper rest, vaccinations and frequent hand washing are the top defenses against campus germs

Avoid sharing personal items like cups or towels to prevent infections like mono and staph infections

Prioritize food safety and protect your skin in gyms and dorm bathrooms to limit bacterial exposure

MONDAY, Oct. 13, 2025 (HealthDay News) — The college experience is a whirlwind of late nights, crowded dorms and shared spaces — a perfect storm for germs.

Getting sick can get in the way of work and play and could hurt academic performance.

And with students living in close quarters, upper respiratory infections, mononucleosis (mono) and even bacterial meningitis tend to spread rapidly.

To keep students healthy, medical experts offering guidance in U.S. News & World Report re

See Full Page