It’s getting to be sick season; students may need to start preparing and looking out for the different viruses that are coming.
Betty DeSilvio, a nurse at the Falcon Heath Center, said students should start preparing themselves for the season change and to try to remain as healthy as possible.
“Since it’s starting to get cold, the viruses are making their way back,” she said.
The virus that is common for students to catch is mononucleosis. Mono is a virus that can be spread through contact with saliva, mucus from the nose and the throat.
“Not everyone catches mono. It’s not unusual for someone in a residence hall, sleeping in the same room with one student getting mono and the roommate not having it,” DeSilvio said. “Why? If the person with mono washes their hands, do not share food or drinks, they will contain it within themselves.”
Students should also be aware of the whooping cough virus. This virus is a violent and rapid coughing, over and over, until the air is gone from the lungs.
DeSilvio said this type of cough can cause students to throw up and be extremely tired.
“Even though this type of virus is usually found in babies and infants, it is now starting to be discovered in teens and adults as well,” she said.
The top of the list virus for students is influenza, which is also called the flu. This is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs.
“This is also a known virus for students to have, because it is easily spread through coughs, sneezes,” DeSilvio said. “The Health Center will be giving out the flu shots soon in October for students or anyone who would like to have it.”
A student named Jordan Meador said she was one of many students that didn’t get the flu shot and ended up having this virus.
“I remember being so sick and I knew it was something serious because I never felt this type of sick before,” she said. “I was sneezing, coughing and I was throwing up but I never gotten the diarrhea part, which is supposed to be a common symptom.”
Director of Wellness Connection Faith Yingling said students need to start preparing a healthy lifestyle to start preventing from getting sick.
“Get enough sleep because sleep helps you recover and being mentally focused is important,” she said. “This helps build your immune system.”
Yingling said students should also try physical activity; just 15 minutes of working out can help.
“Students should hand wash, balance lifestyle with dieting, exercising, rest and fun,” DeSilvio said. “If students follow this, they will be okay.”
