With the semester reaching its peak in class work and social activity, it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid the risk of infection. By following a few easy tips on basic health advice, students and community members can reduce their chance of catching the flu, which is already on the rise in the metroplex.
The first step to making it out of flu season without a sniffle is frequently making trips to wash hands. Before eating, where fingers often briefly touch food, it is especially important to kill germs and bacteria.
Although soap and water is optimal for getting rid of unwanted germs, a hand sanitizer can also be utilized in a pinch, by handwashing.
Carrying hand sanitizer in a backpack or purse means after using public areas, hands can immediately be disinfected.
Since the flu virus is spread easily through contact, avoid wiping the eyes, nose, or mouth with your bare hands.
Again, washing the hands often will help those accidental slips where, without thinking, a person might touch his/her face.
The Morris Recreation Center surprisingly is one place to help avoid the flu, because exercise boosts the immune system (although any kind of workout has the same effect).
The MRC requires those working out to bring a towel, and provides antibacterial wipes in the classrooms. It is important to focus on cleaning the handles and buttons, or parts of the workout equipment that people come in contact with frequently.
The next tip is one that most college students would gladly oblige to, and that is to get enough sleep. The body recovers from the day and repairs itself during sleep, and plenty of “z’s” will keep the body at its top performance.
Good health also requires getting enough recommended vitamins and minerals. To keep the body at its best, a well-balanced diet can benefit from the supplement of vitamins. Some stores now sell adult vitamins that look and taste like gummy bears.
Following the above recommendations will help the last bit of advice fall into place, try not to stress out. Stress negatively affects the immune system, which opens the door for the flu virus to take hold.
“I really think being aware and being proactive is the best thing anybody can do for their health, so do your research, come to the Health Center and find out from the physician what you should be doing to take care of yourself,” Director of Student Health Services Shelly Matikiewicz said.
Texas A&M University-Commerce offered free flu shots in the new Sam Rayburn Student Center towards the start of the semester, which some students took advantage of.
“I got my flu shot and I haven’t gotten sick yet, although I know it only protects from the two most popular strains from the last flu season,” James Belsher, trumpet performance major said.
For students that suspect they have the flu, staying home is welcome instruction; however, for the stubborn scholars this may seem difficult.
It is imperative that suspicions of the flu not be taken lightly, as people are the most contagious during the first few days of having the flu. Going to class and being around others could infect them, and this scenario multiplied usually ends in a small flu outbreak.
If going out in public is not an option, make sure to carry around tissues or sneeze into the crook of the elbow to prevent germs from spreading through touch.
The flu typically lasts about a week, and will clear up on its own without any prescribed medication. To ease the symptoms, purchase some over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil and rely on these remedies to make it through the worst of the flu.
Sympathy from others has not been scientifically proven to restore good health, but is always an option for temporary attention.
Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu have been well marketed to protect against the seasonal flu, however, once the full blown flu has hit (after the first 48 hours) the medicine will not be very effective, if only to shorten flu symptoms by about a day.
A&M-Commerce has a Student Health Services office located in Henderson Hall, which offers free health care services for students and is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The number to set up an appointment is 903-886-5853.
“Our staff is wonderful,” Matikiewicz said. “We have a new physician’s assistant and a new lab technician; they both have a lot of experience. Our nurse has worked at the health center for over 18 years … they’re very friendly and they’re passionate about helping students.”
It is best to see a doctor if fevers start to reach temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, or if dehydration sets in.
To prevent dehydration, keep fluids going such as water, Gatorade and Pedialyte, and get plenty of rest.
Information for this article came from Healthology:http://www.nbcdfw.com/health/topics/Top_Five_Ways_to_Beat_the_Plain_Old_Flu.html.