Spring Hill College has felt the effects of the flu in recent months.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, flu season usually happens in the fall and winter, peaking between December and February. Data from the CDC during the week of Feb. 4 to Feb. 10 shows that flu activity was still elevated in much of the country. This means that reported influenza-like illnesses (ILI) were at or above the national or region-specific baseline. The ILI activity in Alabama was reported to be high. Spring Hill has been no exception.
Two students shared their experiences with the flu. Junior Heather Nye said that she had it for about a week. Nye said, “I thought it was a really bad sinus infection.” I went to urgent care and got tested for the flu and it turns out I was positive,” said Nye. Junior Chad Newell said he had just bragged to his father about not having the flu when he began to have symptoms. Newell also went to an urgent care center and tested positive for the illness. Both Nye and Newell have recovered, but the flu is still heavily present on campus.
According to sources at the SHC Wellness Center, it is uncertain how many students on campus have been affected. Despite the potential severity of the flu, students may not be as protected as they could be.
Dr. Richard Teplick, a physician who visits the Wellness Center weekly, estimated that not one in 10 college students receive a flu vaccine. Teplick said, “One of the problems with not being vaccinated is that you can have the flu and not know you have it, and it can be fatal to people who can’t be vaccinated.” He also suggested that washing your hands, covering your coughs and being mindful of contact can help students prevent the flu.
Student Affairs also recently sent an email to students, faculty and staff with facts and recommendations from the CDC pertaining to the flu. Recommendations included disinfecting surfaces, staying home or getting medical treatment for flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Teplick predicted that flu season will be over by April. Until then, students should be careful and do all they can to avoid being infected.