This year’s cold and flu season is already in full swing. Unfortunately we all know that when the weather turns colder, we find ourselves crowded indoors, which puts everyone at greater risk for communicable diseases. Remember that where two or more are gathered, so will be many viruses. If you are walking to class and you hear the dreaded cough and sneeze, you have just been exposed to the rhinovirus, otherwise known as the common cold. The flu virus is also spread by coughing and sneezing. Remember that drink you shared with a friend yesterday? You may have been exposed to Mono or other contagious viruses. How about that meal you had at the social gathering yesterday? You could find yourself experiencing the Norovirus (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea). The following tips may seem obvious, but in the long run they will help you have a better chance of a healthy winter and spring on The Bluff.
- Hand-washing is key. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after using the restroom, coughing, or sneezing. Alcohol hand sanitizers are effective when soap and water are not available.
- Limit physical contact. Limiting your physical contact is the optimal way to prevent getting sick. The simplest way to do that is to stay home if you are sick, Don’t risk spreading your illness to others. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after any fever is gone. This concept goes beyond just catching the common cold. If you feel the odds are against you, practicing prevention now will help reduce your risk of illness. If you have not had a flu shot, please check with local pharmacies and get vaccinated today.
You can find out more at the University Health Center Website at http://tinyurl.com/mruk2jk.