There is a virus among us… Influenza has returned

Kenya Johnson and Roshonda Jenkins
Staff Writers

Fall is upon us and winter is swiftly approaching, and this can mean only one thing, the cold and flu season has arrived.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death.

Older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.  The best protection against the flu is to get the influenza vaccine.  According to the CDC, you should get the flu shot before the peak flu activity, preferably by October, to prevent symptoms from starting.  Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

The Jackson State University Health Services Center is currently providing the flu vaccine on campus to students, faculty and staff members on the Health Center Plan for $25.  Faculty and staff not on the plan can obtain the vaccine for $25 plus the $35 office fee.

Dr. Samuel Jones, Director of JSU Health Services, said that a large number of cases have already been presented on campus and because influenza is an airborne disease, there is not much a person can do to avoid getting the virus if exposed.

“It is more important for people with the flu to practice methods to keep from spreading it to others.  Coughing into your sleeve, frequently washing your hands and staying away from vulnerable populations are things that can prevent the spread of the flu,” said Dr. Jones.

Dr. Jones also stated that there is no fool-proof method from preventing the flu but most healthy students can tolerate exposure to influenza without becoming ill. However, those with other chronic illnesses like asthma or cancer or more vulnerable to acquiring the flu.

To help prevent the spread of the flu, follow these simple steps:

1. Wash your hands and use sanitizing items

You can never be too clean when it comes to fighting germs. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and often. Use antibacterial soap and other products to ensure that you reduce as many potential harmful germs as possible. Try not to touch things that carry germs such as stair railings, door handles, and bathroom sinks. These objects come in contact with countless numbers of people a day so it makes sense that they would be filled with potential harmful germs.

2. Start treating yourself as soon as you notice the symptoms 

Sometimes you cannot avoid a cold or the flu because they are airborne. However, the faster you begin to treat yourself the better. You should act immediately after noticing the signs of you being sick. Early treatment  can help to not only reduce the amount of time that you are sick, but to also help to ensure that you don’t pass one of those pesky germs along to someone else.

3. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands

One of the easiest ways to spread germs is through body fluids. Sneezing and coughing are two easy ways for germs to be injected into the environment leading to others catching whatever it is that you may have.

4. Dress for the weather!

There is nothing wrong with wanting to look cute, but a runny noise is never stylish. Under dressing will no doubt give you sick swag….. literally. This is the time of year where you have to let clothes serve the purpose of protecting you from the harsh weather. If the day calls for you to bundle up, then do just that. It’s easier to remove clothes throughout the day than to find yourself walking around freezing.

5. Get recommended shots

Do not let the fear often associated with flu shots prevent you from getting the medicine that you need. Protect yourself and others.