Students Avoid the 'Bugs' by Being Cautious

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That couldn’t be any truer, especially now that the cold and flu season is upon us.

To keep the flu from getting in the way of life, the key is prevention.

Influenza, better known as the flu, is responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations, 36,000 deaths, and kills twice as many Americans as HIV/AIDS each year according to the Center for Disease Control.

Maintaining a healthy immune system is very important to prevent getting sick. For starters, proper hygiene, which includes washing your hands, eating sensibly and getting enough rest, is vital. Taking a daily multivitamin or drinking tea with anti-oxidants also helps boost the immune system.

Many physicians advise people, especially children and the elderly, to get an annual flu vaccination.

Senior Brendan Shelly works at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and receives the shot for free.

“I wouldn’t (get the vaccination) otherwise, but being a nurse tech I’m exposed to a lot and it’s very much so recommended,” he says.

Sometimes it’s hard to decipher whether the cough and sniffles is a cold or the flu. The common symptoms of the flu include a high fever of 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue, weakness and chest discomfort with coughing; whereas cold symptoms are not as severe and usually consist of mild aches and pains, occasional fatigue, stuffy nose and a hacking cough, according to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

While all colds and illnesses are not preventable and unavoidable, over-the-counter medicines can help alleviate symptoms. Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Claritin, decongestants such as Sudafed and anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, Motrin and Advil can help ease the symptoms.

Charlotte Slocum, RN, MSN, and Director of Student Health Services, has been with MU’s Student Health Center for 40 years, and she encourages students to get their flu vaccines now so they can build up a tolerance to the virus. She also welcomes students to use the self-care room located in the Student Health Center, which provides free of charge over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, Tylenol, Aleve, Pepto-Bismol, Sudafed and cough drops.

“We’re only here for the students, and if you don’t take advantage of it you’re short changing yourself,” Slocum says.

The Student Health Center, located in the lower level of Anderson Sports and Health Center, is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and a doctor is available Wednesday and Friday 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Students can call the Student Health Center at (570) 674-6276 to schedule an appointment to get the flu vaccine for only $20.