By Lacey Von Lanken
Health Educator
Believe it or not, that time of year is once again fast approaching: cold and flu season. However, with education, information, and prevention we can stay healthy and also learn how to listen to our bodies.
Colds are upper respiratory infections caused by viruses – tiny organisms unable to grow and reproduce outside of living cells. Most colds are contacted by breathing in virus-containing droplets that have been sneezed or coughed into the air by someone else. Colds can also be caught by rubbing your nose or eyes with a hand that has come in contact with virus-contaminated objects. Sore throat, sneezing, stuffy/runny nose, stuffy ears, sinus pressure around the eyes, forehead and cheek bones, and a cough are all symptoms of the “common cold.”
Though there is no cure for the common cold, symptoms can be relieved by drinking lots of fluids, getting lots of rest and taking some over-the-counter antihistamines and/or decongestants. You can give yourself an “edge” to prevent a cold by getting enough rest, eating right, drinking fluids and washing your hands (remember that a computer keyboard is a great place for picking up a virus).
The flu (influenza) is also caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. Flu symptoms include muscle aches, fever and chills, headache, dry cough and weakness. Many times the symptoms come on quickly — one day you feel great and the next, achy and miserable. The worst symptoms generally last only a few days but the feeling of exhaustion may last longer. If you think you have the flu, it is wise to visit a physician. As with colds, if you get the flu, get lots of rest, drink lots of clear fluids, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (read labels for warnings), inhale warm steam for a cough, and gargle with salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt per cup water) for a sore throat.
You can minimize your chances of getting the flu if you get a yearly flu vaccine, wash your hands often, keep in good health, eat a balanced diet and don’t smoke.
Getting a flu shot every year is a good idea. The best time to get a flu shot is between September and mid-November so that your body has time to become immune. Even if the flu shot does not prevent the flu, the vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms and decrease the risk of complications.
The Student Health Center offers flu shots to our students on campus for $15, usually available in the fall, depending on availability. In addition, our annual “Stick or Treat” flu shot clinic will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 30. Please call ext. 4316 to schedule an appointment for your flu shot. Wellness Programs offer the flu vaccine to all faculty and staff. Please contact ext. 7592 for a required appointment as well as dates and times of this year’s clinics.
Let’s all have a healthy cold and flu season.
September 25, 2003