It’s that time of year when the weather is changing, flowers are blooming, baseball season is beginning and the flu is here.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has done extensive research into the flu, including its effects on people and how it spreads.
“Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses,” the CDC states. “It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications.”
According to the CDC, experts believe the flu is spread through physical contact of the virus to a person. For example, when someone coughs or sneezes, the virus is distributed to the area that is coughed or sneezed on. If another person happens to be within that path, there is a chance of them contracting the virus.
Dr. Clifton Story is the executive director of University Health Services and medical director of the Student Health Center at Mississippi State University. According to Story, there have been over 100 cases of the flu already diagnosed at the Student Health Center in the past two weeks.
When it comes to getting better after one gets the flu, Story explained the most important thing a person can do is to stay away from other people and hibernate.
“I’d go to the doctor and get tested,” Story said. “There is flu medicine, and the sooner you get it and start taking it, the better it will work and the more effective it is to help you get over the flu quicker.”
Story said a new medicine for influenza looks promising.
“There is a new medicine this year that looks better than previous medicines, too. Step one is to get tested, the second thing is to stay away from people. We usually tell people to go 24 hours without fever and without fever medicine,” Story said. “So, stay away from people, hibernate, chill out in your dorm room or in your apartment, drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest. The key is to stay away from affecting anybody else.”
Nancy Ball is the nurse manager at the Longest Student Health Center with a BSN in nursing. She echoed Story’s words by stating the importance of the yearly vaccine and listing how to get well again if you have been diagnosed. She said she has seen 139 cases of the flu since January.
Ball said to decrease chances of catching the flu, follow these recommendations: wash your hands, avoid shaking hands and hugging friends in greeting, use respiratory etiquette like coughing into your elbow, and have tissues handy and dispose of used tissues properly. She said to avoid close contact with people during flu season when possible.
The CDC website emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated with clear fluids, staying away from others and resting as forms of self-care for those diagnosed with the flu.
For those who have been able to avoid the virus, vaccination is important. For a short time, the vaccine will be available at the Longest Student Health Center located behind the Mitchel Memorial Library on Hardy Road.