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The first half of the semester is over. Pretty soon snow will be flying and stockpiles of Kleenex will be depleted. Flu season is upon us and colds will be spreading like wildfire.
If you don’t think you need to be especially careful this year, think again. According to the Centers for Disease Control, this winter season is going to be a terrible one. The flu season in Australia and New Zealand is coming to an end, and doctors predict that same flu virus will come to the United States and become the premiere culprit for fevers, chills and coughs.
About 36,000 people in the U.S. die each year from the flu, but this year health experts predict the number will escalate by thousands. Although the elderly suffer the most during flu season, young people are also at risk.
According to Nancy Cox, director of the CDC’s flu branch, “A Michigan study last year found 10 severe flu cases and four deaths in previously healthy people under 21.”
To help keep students healthy, Cutler Health Center staff has other practical tips to keep in mind throughout the flu season.
* Wash your hands as often as possible. Germs are easily spread and classrooms are a good place to pick up a cold or flu virus. Keep a bottle of antibacterial waterless soap with you. It is compact and only takes a moment to get rid of germs.
* Eat well and get plenty of rest to prevent poor health. Essential foods, such as fruits and vegetables, will energize you and keep you functioning normally. Taking a multivitamin is a good idea, as college students are known for surviving four years on Ramen noodles and Dr Pepper. Sleeping recharges your body for the next day.
* Don’t let stress take over your life. It is good to study and worry a little about an upcoming test, but don’t skip meals or fret about it all night. Stress can lower your immune system. To relieve stress, take regular breaks when studying. Calling a friend, playing a game, or even turning on the television can keep you healthy – mentally and physically.
* A good way to decrease the duration of symptoms and complications from the flu is to receive a flu immunization, which is available at Cutler. For those who do not like needles, there is now a nasal spray available that takes the prick out of getting a shot.
Bangor Daily News