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A cold's brewing...
Keep yourself germ free this flu season with some helpful hints
Issue 11 - 02.23.06

flu
How you can stay healthy:

  • Wash your hands before, during and after you prepare food.
  • Wash your hands before you eat a meal or snack.
  • Wash your hands after going to the restroom, always.
  • Wash off your kitchen counter before preparing any food on it.
  • Do not use a sponge when cleaning because you are just spreading the germs around as sponges are a breeding ground for germs.
  • Wash your hands after visiting a sick friend or relative.
  • Wash your hands after you handle money; you never know who had the bill before you.
  • Wash your hands after handling animals.
  • Try to avoid crowded places during cold and flu season.
  • Carry hand sanitizer.
  • Use the disinfecting wipes at stores, if provided, to wipe off the handle of the shopping cart.
  • If you are sick, stay home; no on else wants your germs.

BY SARAH DONNELLY
Staff Writer

The weather is cold and you never go anywhere without your Kleenexes. The dreaded cold and flu season is here. Any student can be attacked by unwanted germs, thus becoming a host for an invading virus.

Germs like where it is warm, dark, and moist, like in your mouth, nose, ears and cuts. This is why you should never rub or touch these areas before you have washed your hands, or you could possibly infect yourself. One of the most common ways people catch colds is by rubbing their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with the cold or flu virus.

Director of Health Services Tracy Bergagnini said, “Adequate hand washing is the easiest way to prevent transmission of the flu virus. Wash hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds; say the alphabet, using warm water and soap. Be careful to wash the wrists, back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the fingernails.”

In addition to colds and the flu, some serious diseases like hepatitis A, meningitis, and other infections can be easily prevented if people make a habit of washing their hands.

According to the American Society for Microbiology, only 68 percent of Americans wash their hands after using the restroom, so remember this the next time you open a door and rub your eyes.

A precaution the college takes during the cold and flu season is to provide spray disinfectants for dorm students to use. Information about this is in the student life newsletter.

Symptoms of the flu include a sore throat, dry cough, nasal congestion, headache, fever, chills, and body aches. Bergagnini said, “People with flu symptoms should get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids, and use acetaminophen to reduce fever and take over the counter cold medications to treat other symptoms. Individuals should avoid tobacco products and alcohol.”

If you have any questions or would like additional information, contact Bergagnini in the nurse’s office located in Robert Storbeck Dorm.


 

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