As eager college students prepare to arrive on campus this fall, they may not consider the precautions they need to take to stay healthy. Just as important as packing up their essentials, when students know how to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses and navigate campus healthcare resources, they can help prevent sickness and focus on learning and participating in campus-related activities. Though requirements vary from campus to campus, staying up to date on recommended vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of serious illness from viruses like the flu and COVID-19.
“College students are in close quarters and crowded spaces making risk of exposure to things higher,” Dr. Uzma Hasan, Regional Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Barnabas Health Medical Group, explained. “Also, young adults tend to be a bit more carefree about sickness prevention so being up to date with their vaccines is very important.”
We spoke with Dr. Hasan about what makes college an environment that fosters respiratory infections and what students can do to ensure they are not stuck in their dorm room during fun social events like the big game this season.
Why Viruses Easily Spread on College Campuses
Most college campuses are packed with people. Students live in high-density arrangements like dorm rooms or apartments with shared bathrooms. They squeeze into crowded lecture halls and dining halls with lines out the door. These close quarters make it very easy for respiratory viruses to spread from one person to another through tiny droplets and aerosols released when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. “Colleges are perfect for the rapid spread of contagious illness, with attack rates for flu as high as 69%,” Dr. Hasan said. “COVID-19 can also be prevalent. Long COVID affects 16-36% of college-aged individuals which can greatly affect their cognitive function and mental health.”
Though frequent large gatherings in and outside of class are a driving factor in the abundance of respiratory illnesses, older campus buildings and dorm rooms without proper ventilation are also a contributing factor. Lower airflow rates in indoor spaces can allow mold and other pollutants to thrive, causing an uptick in respiratory infection risks. College students are also likely to experience sleep deprivation, high stress, and poor nutrition that can weaken immune defenses, making it easier to get sick.
Simple Ways to Avoid Sickness on Campus
Individuals 18-49 have consistently lower rates of vaccination against respiratory illnesses like the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia. If a person is at increased risk and unvaccinated, that can lead to complications and hospitalization. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations is the best way to protect against severe respiratory illness. Dr. Hasen stresses that “vaccines are extremely important for anyone who is immune compromised, has a chronic lung disease like asthma or is high-risk. Getting vaccinated gives them the added level of protection that keeps them safe and out of the hospital.”
“Vaccinations are essential when entering a college environment, and there are a couple that you must absolutely be up to date on,” Dr. Hasan continued. The vaccines required for college students varies by geographic location and campus polices, but Dr. Hasan suggests talking to your healthcare provided about flu, meningitis, MMR (measles), Tdap boosters (which protect against pertussis or whooping cough) and COVID-19. “The bottom line is vaccinations prevent significant morbidity and mortality.” Vaccination can also help prevent spread to family members when college students come home on weekends and/or holidays.
Dr. Hasan also mentions other prevention strategies like the importance of practicing general hygiene, including washing hands thoroughly and staying home when sick. “It can be tough to miss out or break your routine, but you should really stay away from others until you are free of fever or other symptoms for 24 hours,” she said. Because germs can be easily passed on college campuses, avoid sharing items like drinks or utensils with friends. Also, regularly cleaning your room by dusting surfaces, emptying trash bins, vacuuming carpets and wiping down floors and surfaces can decrease germs as well.
Another way to help prevent respiratory diseases, especially in small, cramped spaces like dorms, is to improve air quality. You can do this by opening windows or running a HEPA air cleaner with an activate carbon filter. This will help reduce the number of allergens, irritants, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals in the air. College students are also encouraged to maintain healthy habits like eating a balanced diet, staying active, getting enough sleep, and avoiding all tobacco and nicotine products.
Where to Seek Care
“I will always advocate for being seen by your primary care doctor because they have a better understanding of your history, but that is not always possible, especially in a college setting,” Dr. Hasan says. So, she suggests that anyone leaving for college should speak with their healthcare provider to ask questions about prevention and address any concerns.
Most colleges offer student health centers which provide safe and convenient access to medical care. As students settle in on campus, it can be helpful to locate the student health center to better understand what health services are offered and learn about vaccination policies and emergency care. Visiting the student health center is also a good opportunity to seek information about mental health resources, as college can often be a time of great stress.
Lastly, it can be beneficial for students to have important health records on their phone or in their email so they are easily accessible in an emergency. These include a health insurance card, HIPAA release form, vaccine records, list of allergies, and an asthma action plan if needed.
“Go in prepared, protect yourself, and try to avoid risky behavior,” Dr. Hasan concluded. “I think if they do that, they’re going to be ok.”
For more resources about the importance of vaccines for lung health visit lung.org/vaccines.
Blog last updated: August 6, 2026
