As summer comes to an end and the cool autumn weather begins to show its face, an unwelcome nuisance decides to make its annual appearance.
Unfortunately, the arrival of the chilly weather means Ohio University students may become more susceptible to catching viruses and becoming ill. Germs are everywhere and will be floating around explicitly in this upcoming fall and winter season.
However, there are different approaches students can utilize to avoid all the hustle and bustle of the flu. One of the easiest ways to prevent the influenza virus is to get a flu shot, Katie Fellure, a pharmacist at CVS Pharmacy, 32 S. Court St., said.
According to Fellure, the influenza shot is an activated virus brand that works to create antibodies in a person’s body to fight the most common flu strains. It takes about two weeks for the person’s immune system to develop the antibodies that will begin to attack the anti-virus, she said.
“An important thing people need to know about the flu shot is that it won’t always prevent you from catching the flu,” Fellure said. “There are actually hundreds of different strains of the influenza virus, and the shot we give only covers four of those strains. So, not everyone is prevented from getting the flu, but the shot can reduce the symptoms.”
For people who are afraid of needles, there are other options to prevent catching the virus.
Jennifer Keller, a pharmacist who works in the The Drugstore at OU, said she knows what medicines work the best in fighting symptoms of the flu.
The most popular medicine on the market is Tylenol, Keller said. The product can be capsulized and is able to help with painful cold and flu symptoms like coughing, congestion and sore throat both day and night, according to Tylenol’s website.
Motrin is an option as well for students who could be experiencing any aches and pains that the flu may cause, she said.
“If you are experiencing any stuffiness in the nose, a humidifier would be handy to use,” Keller said. “Keeping moisture in the air really opens up the sinuses.”
Both Fellure and Keller said it’s important to stay well-informed on what the flu is and how to prevent from catching it.
Milana Scarlato, a freshman studying visual communications, said she takes several precautions in order to stay healthy.
“Washing my hands after going to the bathroom or after exercising at the gym is a must for me,” Scarlato said. “Getting sick is easier than what a lot of people think, so I do my best to try and avoid that by also sneezing into my arm, eating a balanced diet and taking multivitamins to keep my immune system up.”
This time of the year can be tricky for anybody to stay completely healthy, but if students are aware of the facts about the influenza virus and what it can do to a person’s health, it can be beneficial in understanding the steps needed to prevent spreading the flu.
