Winter is right around the corner and along with it comes the common cold and influenza.
The regular old seasonal flu, as opposed to the “bird flu” that is currently making headlines in the news, kills about 36,00 people in this country every year and sends 200,000 to the hospital.
Cold symptoms typically last seven to 10 days, whereas the flu generally runs its course in five to seven days. But there are ways to protect yourself against both.
The nursing staff at the Student Health Center on campus, which consists of Arnetta Hauser, Tamara Alexander, Carisa Hoyle, and Cassandra Thomas, have put together their Top 10 list of ways students can stay healthy this winter:
* Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 to 30 seconds after coming into contact with others. Also, keep your hands away from your face (the eyes, nose and mouth are portals for viruses).* Eat right. Eat three good meals a day, (follow the food guide pyramid), especially breakfast, and don’t forget your fruits and vegetables.* Get the proper amount of rest – six to eight hours of sleep each night* Exercise.* Increase your fluid intake, especially water.* Get regular physical exams.* Make sure your immunizations are up to date* Use tissues when you sneeze and cough, and then throw them away when you are done.* Get a flu shot. This is the single best way to protect against the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the government agency charged with keeping track of disease outbreaks. Getting vaccinated against the flu is especially important if you have a chronic health probem such as asthma, Hauser added. “Contrary to popular belief you will not catch the flu from the flu shot,” she said.* Disinfect your environment, meaning change the sheets on your bed regularly, for example. And practice proper hygiene – take a show or bath everyday and change your toothbrush regularly, especially after a cold.
Aside from these suggestions, Hauser said “everybody needs to have something in their room (to) take care of themselves if necessary (such as Tylenol or cold medicine).”
KRT wire service also contributed to this story.