As we enter the doldrums of January, the air is cold, the sun is on hiatus and flu season is in full swing.
This installment of the dreaded virus might be a little nastier than its recent predecessors. The Center for Disease Control has gone on record saying that the 2012-2013 season might be the worst to hit in quite some time.
The CDC reported that the number of patients with the flu has raised 26 times the amount of people that were diagnosed from December 2011 to December 2012. The typical flu season lasts from November to April.
At a busy college campus, students (especially those who inhabit the many dorm halls Lipscomb has to offer) are at the risk of contacting the flu. Bethany Massey, Lipscomb’s director of health services, said she believes that students must be active and aware in their quest to avoid contracting the unwanted ailment. The top way to keep the flu away might be easier than you’d think.
“The number one, best way is to get a flu shot,” Massey said.
While waking up for an 8 a.m. class with Superman-like energy might make anyone feel like invulnerable, Massey said that anyone can be susceptible to the flu.
“Lots of students are hesitant to get [a flu shot] because they think they’re healthy or they think maybe the flu won’t happen to them, but just the college atmosphere and lifestyle can make you more at risk for getting the flu,” Massey said. “The flu vaccine is really the best way and only way to really get your immune system ready to fight off the flu in case you come in contact with it,” Massey said.
Massey said she believes students must be especially diligent in the practice of good hygiene. She recommends keeping hands clean (especially after being around those who are sick) by frequent hand washing (with soap and water) and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Staying hydrated, eating good portions of nutritious foods, getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night and not eating or drinking after others – especially during the winter months (the peak of the flu season) – are other tips Massey offers as precautionary ways to avoid the flu.
Unfortunately, some college students may come into contact with the virus at some point over the season. Besides taking prescription medicines, Massey says that those who come down the flu must keep a watchful eye over their condition if they wish to return to classes as swiftly as possible.
According to Massey, rest and constant hydration play a huge part in the recovery process. She also recommends taking medicines such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen every six hours to help reduce fever and body aches. Symptom-relegated medicines such as cough suppressants and decongestants are also welcomed solutions.
Massey said the sick must also maintain a level of responsibility by staying in a secluded area (i.e. your dorm room/room at home) to help prevent the spread of the flu.
For those looking to keep the virus at bay, the nurse’s office, located in the basement of the Elam dorm hall, still has flu shots available for $20.
“We still have flu shots available. Lots of clinics are out, but we’ve reordered supplies,” Massey said. “We should be good to go for the rest of the season.”
Massey says that any time within the next week is ideal to get a flu shot.
For any questions/if you’re feeling under the weather, head over to the health center during their hours of operation or call 966-6304.