The start of a spring semester tends to mark the beginning of a campus-wide flu outbreak, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts this year’s strain may be worse than past seasons. After speaking with students about their diagnoses, it’s worthwhile to be mindful of viral infections other than the flu.
Two weeks ago, senior Cecilia Sutton went to urgent care with flu-like symptoms – fatigue, sore throat and fever – and was treated for an upper respiratory infection. Sutton, who is still feeling the effects of her illness, notes that she’s had to take time off of school and work. “I’m currently doing my internship for the education department and I had to leave school early today because I couldn’t breathe while I was trying to teach my students,” she said.
Some students have also expressed concern for the internet-sensationalized Wuhan coronavirus, a deadly respiratory illness dominating parts of China. The coronavirus, which has been covered extensively in the media both seriously and sarcastically, made landfall in the United States early this week with most cases secluded to the West Coast. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this specific strain, the CDC recommends practicing usual hygienic habits, like washing your hands and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, to reduce the likelihood of contracting or spreading any type of respiratory virus.
Dr. Shannon Waters, a physician at Greater Mobile Urgent Care on Old Shell Road, advises students seek medical attention as soon as flu symptoms kick in to ensure a speedy recovery. “It’s a good idea to nip illnesses like the flu in the bud. Respiratory infections, also, can become dangerous if left untreated,” she said. Dr. Waters also mentioned the benefit of a verified doctor’s note to excuse excessive absences due to illness.
Sutton, who was bedridden at the time of her interview, said simply, “I’ve heard that, in the United States, there’s more of a chance of you dying from the flu this year than the coronavirus. I’m happy I got my flu shot.”