With students anticipating the first snowfall and holiday festivities in the coming months, the beginning of winter can be exciting. However, influenza and the common cold are particularly prevalent and can be spread easily by small respiratory droplets in a sneeze and by contaminated surfaces.
Fortunately, there are many precautions to avoid getting sick and to recover.
Vaccination — While there is not yet a vaccine for the common cold, students can lower their chances of contracting influenza, a respiratory illness that can lead to bacterial pneumonia. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of influenza by 60 percent.
“You might be healthy, but there are people with compromised immune systems who are really at risk, and so the vaccine is much more important for them to not get the illness,” Dr. Chris Holstege, Executive Director of Student Health, said.
Hand-washing — Hand-washing after exiting a public area is one of the most effective ways to avoid contracting a respiratory illness. Being meticulous about hand-washing, especially before eating, is important. Many viruses can stay on surfaces for days, and eating after touching everyday objects such as door knobs without washing hands can allow different viruses to enter the body through the mouth.
Congested places — Microbiology, immunology and cancer biology Prof. Dean Kedes used the daycare phenomenon to explain susceptibility to illness — as more individuals come into areas of close proximity, the probability of contracting an illness increases. Avoiding heavily congested areas effectively reduces respiratory illnesses.
Humidification — Kedes noted another theory many scientists agree on, but is not proven. As the temperature gets colder, the immune system of some animals is not able to work as efficiently.
“When the mucous membrane — the lining of the nose and mouth — dries out, you may be more susceptible to health problems because that layer provides a normal barrier of entry for pathogens,” Kedes said.
Having a humidifier can provide moisture and purify the air.
Warmth — Being cold causes chills, which could be due to lower body temperature. Since “Rhinovirus,” a common cold virus, has the fastest replication rate at 91 degrees fahrenheit, those with lower body temperatures may be more at risk for respiratory illnesses. Wearing warm clothing lowers the chance of compromising the immune system.
Rest, hydration, self-isolation — Lack of sleep can inhibit normal functioning of the immune system. When students are infected with a virus, precautions can still be taken.
“If you really are sick, we tell the students, look, self-isolate, drink fluids, rest and get your sleep,” Holstege said. “The faculty members are very understanding when that occurs, and students do not need a note for being back in. I can’t stress that enough.”
Medications — Taking different medications for varying symptoms can cause health problems. Make sure to check for potential side-effects since many cold remedies can cause drowsiness. For prescription medications, read all labels and warnings before taking the medication, and consult with the pharmacist if further assistance is needed.
Student Health — Student Health also has an after-hours line where regular clinicians can direct students.
“What I don’t want to see is that a student says, ‘Oh, Student Health is closed, I’ll go to the emergency department and incur a cost,’” Holstege said. “What I would do first is to make a phone call because some of the time you can wait until morning to come to Student Health.”
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