This year there has been an influx of sicknesses across the nation. Between diseases and snow storms I can’t tell which has our nation in more of a disarray. Yet the two always seem to go hand in hand, once the chilly air starts blowing South; the sneezing, coughing, and occasional vomiting begins its symphony chorus throughout classrooms, dorms, and public arenas. So with the most common ailments including the flu and measles, how can one possibly stay healthy?
First, we need to understand our common diseases plaguing the United States. The measles, our most recent outbreak, is a highly contagious respiratory disease with symptoms such as a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, sore throat, and other ailments. It often leads to a rash covering your body and can be deadly. The outbreak can be traced back to Disneyland in Southern California and there have been hundreds of confirmed cases of it spreading to different states. As of now no cases have been reported in Kansas, but if you’re planning on going anywhere any time soon (or even over Spring Break) be sure of a few things:
1. Make sure that you have been vaccinated for the measles.
2. Avoid areas where the measles outbreak is strongly concentrated
3. If going abroad, be careful to clean up before returning, this outbreak was brought in by abroad travelers.
Source: http://dermaamin.com/site/images/clinical-pic/m/measles/measles24.jpg
Since this is a relatively recent outbreak it may be lasting through Spring Break (hence the caution). If you haven’t been vaccinated and think you’re in an infected area, make sure to not touch your face and clean up well, even wear a mask if you’re that concerned because it is highly contagious and travels through the air.
Second, and possibly more worrisome, is this season’s outbreak of the flu. As most of you have likely heard, the vaccine for this year’s influenza has been less effective than most. As a result there has been an increase in deaths and hospitalizations for some who have contracted the disease. In this case, Kansas is one of the more highly afflicted states so there is a stronger chance that you might catch this nasty bug. How to stay healthy from such a disgusting illness?
1. Still get the vaccine. I haven’t I’ll be honest, but it helps to prevent and lessen the blow of the illness if you do contract it.
2. Wash your hands and avoid the sick! Pretty common knowledge, but still there are thousands of hands that touch door handles and desks EVERY DAY.
3. Increase that immune system! Keep up with the fruits and veggies even in the winter and get plenty of rest you college students! More often than not fatigue plays a large part in lowering your immune defenses.
Source: http://blog.coverall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/shutterstock_118653634_flu_lady_sneezing.jpg
Another year, another sickness. There are very few times that a human can avoid getting sick in some way or another but when considering more harmful illnesses such as the measles and the flu there isn’t too much that you can do to stay healthy. Visit Watkins Health Center for information about vaccinations and other preventative techniques to remain healthy for the spring semester.
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