SCHOOL NEWS
Achoo!
Is it a cold, or is it the flu?
Do you have a killer headache, fatigue, high fever,
and chills, and muscle aches that hit you like a ton of bricks? You feel knocked
off your feet? These are clues you have got the flu. A sore, scratchy throat,
mild fever, with sneezing, and a stuffy or runny nose are your symptoms? More
than likely you’ve got a cold. Both are caused by viruses, and are common
among everyone in the SAIC community during fall and through spring. As we move
headlong into the cold and flu season, here are a few things to keep in mind:
You get a cold or the flu by being exposed to, and infected with, a cold or
flu virus. While it’s true that you can be exposed to the germs by sitting
next to an impolite sneezer on a crowded Blue Line train (inhaling germ particles
in the air), the most likely way you will get sick this winter is through your
own hands. Cold and flu germs can live on surfaces for hours. Your hands are
constantly being exposed to dozens of viral strains throughout the day when
you touch door knobs, elevator buttons, handrails, use public keyboards, phones,
pens, and pencils, etc. Try, try, try to keep your hands away from your eyes,
nose, and mouth, unless you wash them first. Wash your hands a lot; keep tissues
with you all winter, and use them to scratch your nose or rub your eyelids.
If you don’t bring the germs to your eyes/nose/mouth, you can really reduce
your chances of getting sick.
Other tips to boost your immunity and ward off the cold and flu germs include:
• Eat well, and regularly.
• Stay hydrated — drink extra fluids. However, alcohol and caffienated
beverages have a diuretic effect, and don’t count.
• Rest! Extra rest will provide you the energy you need to fight off viruses.
• Avoid close contact with those who are already ill, if possible.
• Avoid smoking, and smoke-filled rooms.
• Contrary to popular belief, cold air does not make you more susceptible
to colds and the flu, but dry air does. Dry nasal passages are more vulnerable
to those germs. Humidify your home.
If you do get sick, be a good friend/roommate and prevent spreading your cold
to others by always using tissues when you cough or sneeze, and by washing your
hands frequently. If you have questions about how to take care of yourself when
you’re sick, please call Health Services at (312) 345-9488, between 8:30
a.m., and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. We are located at 104 South Michigan
Ave., suite 824.
Sources: the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration, MayoClinic.com