Over a week ago, a student at the University of Oregon developed a blood infection called meningococcemia that can develop into meningitis. 800 of this student’s classmates were given a shot of prophylaxis, a powerful medication that prevents the development of disease.
The UO hasn’t considered anyone to be at risk for contracting the bacteria since Jan. 17. But there’s still a chance of students falling victim to the common cold’s older and much more bitter sibling: influenza.
According to a 35-year research from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, December through March has the highest rates of flu activity—February having nearly triple the amount of cases in comparison to any other month.
With that in mind, sitting in class near students that are coughing and sneezing makes the possibility of getting sick more prevalent. Lionel Thomas, who is finishing his Doctoral in Musical Arts, spends countless hours around musicians every day.
“It can become distracting, especially during rehearsals. I also get a bit of anxiety that I could get sick as well,” said Thomas.
Mike Eyster, UO Health Center director and vice president of Student Affairs, suggested that a call to the Health Center is the quickest and easiest way to get immediate help if you feel that you are having any symptoms.
“We’ll be able to give you a good idea whether to come over here or just do some home care at home—and we can tell you if you’re just fine or you have nothing to worry about,” said Eyster.
Take the proper precautions if you have to be around people that are sick. If you’re the one that is sick, consider the people around you.
“If you’re coughing, use a napkin, cough into your elbow, or wear an antiviral mask,” recommends Eyster. Keep from spreading germs and stay home if you feel too ill. Coughing at the point that you can’t hold it back means that you should rest and get better.
A germ epidemic in 2015 sounds unlikely, but it is not impossible. Populated areas such as college campuses can spread germs quickly, especially with the congestion of classes.
In 2009, Washington State University had a campus wide spread of the H1N1 virus, known as swine flu. An estimated 2,000 individuals were infected with the virus, recording one of the first outbreaks in the U.S. Prior to that, the case of H2N2 or Asiatic flu, swept the students of Pennsylvania. In the fall of October 1957, The Prince reported that, 71 percent of students at the University of Pennsylvania as well as Princeton were absent due to the flu.
The best suggestion that Eyster offered is to get your seasonal flu shot. It takes a minimum of two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body, so getting a shot as soon as possible is crucial to keeping in good health.
The Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Call ahead to make an appointment or just walk in to get your questions answered. If you’re too ill, call the Health Center direct number so you can be sure you treat yourself with the right solution.