Fall is full of things to look forward to. The changing colors of the trees, the pumpkin spice lattes at our favorite coffee shops, the endless activities at the pumpkin patch or apple hut farms.
One thing that we don’t always think about with the transition from summer to fall is that it is also considered “respiratory season.” This is when reported cases of upper respiratory infections increase. These infections include: Covid, Influenza and RSV. Why do these illnesses increase during the fall and winter months? Well, humidity in the air decreases allowing those droplets that you cough and sneeze into the air to travel farther and stay in the air longer. With cooler temps, we tend to have social interactions inside making our social distancing nonexistent. So, we share all our lovely germs with the ones closest to us.
Good news! There are ways to protect yourself. Here are the top four rules to follow this cold and flu season.
Rule number one: Good hand hygiene. This means washing your hands (with soap and water) before you eat anything, after they become visibly soiled and always after you use the bathroom. Hand sanitizer can also work. This can be an easier route at times but make sure that your hands are not visibly soiled.
Rule number two: Keep the surfaces that you use as clean as possible. Invest in some disinfectant wipes and use them daily if not more. If someone visits your abode and they are sniffling, sneezing or coughing, wipe down the surfaces when they leave, including door handles!
Rule number three: Vaccinate. Influenza vaccines are available to all students through UHCS. You can also get a Covid vaccine at most pharmacies. Vaccines don’t always make it possible for you to avoid an infection completely, but they can make it so that your immune system recognizes a particular virus and gets to work on it quickly when it enters the body. This lessens symptoms and duration of an illness.
Rule number four: if you’re sick, stay home. I know you have classes you can’t miss and social events you don’t want to miss. But I promise, no one wants your viral infection. Make arrangements with professors to make up class, or do it virtual if possible. If you have to go out and about, think about putting on that mask.
Questions? Not sure if you should be seen by a Health care provider? Make an Ask a Nurse apt online through our portal or call 262-472-1300. We are happy to answer any questions. A couple of general guidelines, if you are sick and running a fever (100.4 or higher) that lasts more than 48-72 hours or a fever of 103 degrees, make an appointment with one of the providers at UHCS. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics but can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, decongestants, nasal sprays, etc.. Illness caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. The appointment is free for all students.