Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness, and the season for catching it is just around the corner, said health educator Elizabeth Peeler.
Last year, an estimated 80,000 Americans died of the flu and its complications — the disease’s highest death toll in at least four decades, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Normally, the average flu related deaths range from 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually since 2010, according to the CDC.
With the weather changing and an increase in stress, it’s important for students to stay healthy and flu free.
Here’s some things to know before flu season hits:
1. It’s easy to get the flu at college
With a campus of more than 20,000 students, the flu easily can be passed around, Peeler said.
“As students, you are in very close contact with a lot of people,” Peeler said. “You are in close contact, close quarters, so it is very easy to transmit germs.”
If possible, students should avoid close contact, Peeler said. This includes drinking or eating after others.
2. Get a flu shot now
“The big thing for college students is number one, getting your flu shot,” Peeler said. “A lot of the time, students will say that they don’t want to get the flu shot because they hear it will give them the flu. That’s actually not true.”
While people may feel achy after a shot, it does help prevent the flu, she said.
While flu season is primarily December through January, students should get their shots now to prevent the flu later on.
Students can get shots from the Ball State Health Center for $20.
3. Practice staying healthy
Getting enough sleep, managing stress, eating right and exercising go a long way to preventing the flu, Peeler said.
It might be difficult to practice these habits halfway into the semester, but Peeler said she encourages students to try them.
4. Wash hands
Basic hygiene can keep not only one’s self from getting the flu, it can keep others from getting it, Peeler said.
“Basic hygiene is very important to help not only to reduce the spread of the flu, but also colds,” Peeler said. “Take care of yourself during this really stressful time.”
Students should cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.Additionally, students should wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
5. When sick, rest
Flu symptoms can include a fever, coughing, a sore throat, runny nose, aches, headaches and fatigue, according to the CDC.
Usually the flu lasts five to seven days and goes away on its own, Peeler said. If students have the flu, they should be sure to get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids.
Students can also visit the Health Center for additional resources. To schedule an appointment or get a flu shot, call 765-285-8431 or visit the center’s website.
Contact Liz Rieth with comments at ejrieth@bsu.edu or on Twitter @liz_rieth.
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