Seasonal illness is very much like sub-zero temperatures and slushy sidewalks: difficult to avoid and not fun in the slightest.
And nothing’s worse or less fun than spreading the sufferings of the flu to the St. Bonaventure community.
Though the Center for Disease Control says the widespread flu epidemic which has been harassing the United States in the recent weeks is easing, according to a Jan. 22 Reuters report, coughs, sneezes and flu symptoms remain prevalent on campus.
With this in mind, students and faculty experiencing flu-like miseries should keep to their beds. Though a diligent work ethic is admirable, it’s not worth it to make the trek to class if you’re feeling sick. Their conditions won’t improve and they risk spreading the virus to others. Resting up and getting well is the best possible move one can make.
But for students who insist on going out, with or without pathogens, they should take the proper precautions to promote health and reduce the spread of the flu.
St. Bonaventure’s Wellness Center has provided a handy tip sheet to offer advice for such precautions. The PDF is available on the Wellness Center’s web page.
In addition to self-explanatory tips like washing hands frequently and fervently, eating healthy and avoiding sharing with others, the tip sheet offers other interesting tips to get well.
For one, the tip sheet recommends a moderate exercise regimen. Within reason, a few trips to the Richter Center can boost the immune system and bolster defenses against infections.
These tips should be utilized every day, not just when the flu is creeping close.
Often in college students become so busy with academics and extra-curricular activities that they forget to take time for themselves. It’s crucial in college to maintain your health and mental sanity by taking time to rest, exercise, and drink plenty of water each day of the semester.
Staying healthy isn’t all hand washing and tissues; it might require putting away the shot glasses and Keystone for a weekend to get well . Excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the body and hurt the immune system.
It may seem an undue sacrifice, but using those weekend nights for rest instead of binging might make a battle with illness a bit less dire.
Would you rather have to forgo a weekend of being buzzed beyond recognition or take a weekend to recuperate and boost up your immune system. We are all adults and we should be able to make the correct decision. Enough of this YOLO mentality. We know life should be lived to the fullest, but if it is true that “you only live once,” try to make it last a bit longer. Trying to fight off illness with inebriation is not the way to do so.
So take it easy for a while and build back what’s left of the typical college student’s diminished immune system. If a sneeze or cough is imminent, don’t shower any near-by objects with unwelcome germs. Attempt to cover your mouth with a tissue; it’s the polite thing to do.
This editorial represents the opinion ofThe Bona Venture staff.
