While some roommates have a natural habit of getting on our nerves, sometimes, though, your roommate might be causing stress through no fault of their own. Take the case of when your roommate is sick and they’re living in close proximity to you. What should you do then – apart from becoming a clean freak with a super healthy diet?
Well, first of all, give your sick roommate a break. They must already be feeling awful because of their sickness.
The second step then is to not panic (I’m looking at you: germaphobes). Some people believe that the more you stress about getting sick, the more likely you are to actually become ill. So remind yourself that this isn’t the end of the world and that you can make it through without succumbing to the illness!
Here’s what you should do when your roommate is sick, and you’re sick of hearing them cough and sneeze on the other side of the room.
Ask your sick roommate to manage the illness properly
Being under the weather has even the most active of us feeling lousy and lethargic. But, if you’re noticing scrunched-up tissues around the room, you can count on those germs making their way over to you. Ask your sick roommate to properly dispose of their dirty tissues and cover their mouth when they cough.
But make sure you stay polite and offer to help
The conversation doesn’t need to be awkward; keep it light and offer to pick up some vitamins, soup and hand sanitizer to help your sick roommate on the road to recovery.
Become a clean freak when your roommate is sick
If you’re not already a clean freak, that needs to change – at least when your roommate is sick. Clean your hands regularly and thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap – especially after contact with the sick roommate (which, by the way, you should keep to a minimum).
You could make disinfecting your new hobby!
The same goes for keeping the space clean, too. Keep germs at bay by wiping all surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner, especially focusing on common germ-accommodating spots like door knobs, light switches and tap fixtures.
Sharing stuff with your sick roommate is the opposite of caring
Make yourself helpful as well as healthy by washing linen, which can be a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Take the opportunity to give your sofa a much-needed clean too!
Because your shared spaces are the virus’s playground
But if that’s not possible, wash any blankets or cushion covers used in common areas. Your sick roommate might be spending a lot of time moping about on the sofa. So be aware of any contact you have with soft furnishings in there.
On a similar note, avoid using the same towels. Dry your hands with paper towels or keep a towel for your own personal use. If it helps, make sure you and your sick roommate use towels of different colors so there’s no mix-up!
Maintain a healthy diet
Let’s face it; you’ve been telling yourself you’re going to break bad eating habits and start maintaining a healthy diet, anyway. Stock up on fruit and veggies, especially those that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as kale, spinach and oranges.
You and your sick roommate should also stay hydrated; flush out toxins in your body by drinking plenty of water and green tea, which has high levels of antioxidants. And don’t forget to share healthy food with your sick roommate! The sooner they get better, the sooner you can feel better too!
Get out of the space whenever you can
The simple fact is that germs love to jump from one body to the next. In this case, from your sick roommate, right on to you!
So the safest way to avoid becoming a target is to leave your apartment whenever you can. (But also don’t be inconsiderate and leave them all alone, all the time.) Get out into the fresh air and explore the affordable fun New York City has to offer. Or you could hang out with friends at their place.
If you have to study, head to a local library! You’ll appreciate the change of scenery and you might even feel more productive for it.
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers deal with a sick roommate? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match! Download the app here and hop on the easiest ride home, ever!
