By: Saziye Gourley-Ozhayta Photo by: Saziye Gourley-Ozhayta
This season is one of the worst for the flu in the nation, according to health officials, and Milligan is not immune. Students are anxious about becoming ill because of missing class, loss of work hours and even infecting their own roommate.
Students, however, can take steps to reduce the risk: they can make sure that they sanitize constantly, wash their hands regularly, spray Lysol on door handles, clean the countertops and take vitamins.
A lot of students wonder if getting the flu shot would be worth it.
“The flu vaccine covers 90 percent of the strains, but the vaccine itself is only 60 percent effective,” said Kate Anderson, director of resident life and housing. Local drug stores, such as CVS or Walgreens, still have flu shots available.
Although students take precaution, they can still get the flu.
“If you are feeling sick go to the doctor, go see the nurse, and tell your RA so we kind of know who is sick and we can become more aware of it,” said Anderson.
Many students are asking about possible room accommodation for any student who has or may be coming down with influenza.
“The problem with isolation is that we are full for the girls dorm,” Anderson explained. “Because of this, we need students to keep us in the loop so we can know if someone is sick.”
This is a matter of provision for students who live on campus but do not live in the area. Their roommate might want them to move out while they are sick, but home is too far. If a student lives locally, it would be best if he or she went home for a time so as not to contaminate the room in any way.
What if the students have the flu and an assignment is due? Should they still go to class and complete the presentation or assignment?
“Definitely keep in contact with your professors,” Anderson said.
Speaking with Director of Student Success Tony Jones about make-up work is also a good way to stay up to speed with schoolwork. The RAs are always willing to help . (If you have the flu, you can even ask them to even bring you dinner!)
“We can work out a meal schedule to where RAs can get dinner from the cafeteria and bring it to you,” Anderson said. “We want to be able to help contain as much as we can.”
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