The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is getting ready for an early flu season this year. The flu always hits schools hard with so many bodies packed together, but to make matters worse, we have to protect ourselves against the dreaded swine flu.
If you have been on campus at all in the last week, most likely you have noticed the hand sanitizer dispensers mounted on walls and stairways, especially in high-traffic areas such as the Campus Center and Moody Coliseum.
While we commend ACU Administrators for providing students with free and easily accessible hand sanitizer, ultimately, it is up to students to protect themselves and others from all flu strains.
Dr. Ellen Little, physician and director of the Medical Clinic, sent all students an e-mail outlining specific guidelines for flu prevention. It also mentioned ways to protect others if you catch the bug.
Students should remember to wash their hands with soap and water frequently, particularly after sneezing or coughing. Hand sanitizer is great on the go, but it is not a substitute for good, old-fashioned hot water. Also, when you sneeze and cough, use a tissue; if one is unavailable, sneeze or cough into the inside of your arm, never in your hands. Avoid sharing drinks or food, even if you’re sure you and your friends do not have the flu. These habits will help stop the spread of germs.
Know the symptoms of the flu. To learn the signs, visit www.acu.edu/flu. If you have flu-like symptoms, see your doctor. If you have a fever, don’t go to highly trafficked areas and risk infecting other people.
Flu shots are another option for prevention. The ACU Medical Clinic is administering shots for $15. While this method might not be right for everyone, it is recommended for those at higher risk of catching the flu.
The flu is impossible to avoid entirely without locking yourself in a sterile room for two months, but when students make a conscious effort at prevention, they increase everyone’s chances for health.