Spring Break
HealthyU: Tips for combatting swine flu
Emily Abbate
Issue date: 11/13/09 Section: Focus
Swine flu is sweeping the UConn campus. Though students skip classes in an attempt to beat H1N1, there are several things that healthy and infected students can take to beat the flu. What exactly is the safest way to go about your day-to-day activities? Well, let's take a closer look.
"Eating well, staying hydrated and avoiding those with the flu are some basics," said Beth DeRicco, Director of Wellness and Prevention Services at UConn. "As well as using proper hand cleaning techniques. When washing hands it is important to sing the ABC song so that hand washing continues for 20 to 30 seconds, make sure to get in between the fingers as well as the surface of the hand."
There are also a variety of suggestions on the Student Health Services Web site. Some of these recommendations, include coughing and sneezing into your arm or elbow and not your hands, avoiding touching your nose, eyes or mouth and avoiding contact with others you know to are sick.
"Cleaning work stations and home spaces is also critical," said DeRicco. "Throw away used tissues right after use, clean computer keyboards and telephones with surface sanitizers, etc."
Student Health Services suggests that students take an online flu quiz at healthcenter.mesu.edu/flu-page. This quiz asks "Did the illness come abruptly?" and "Do you have a runny nose or nasal congestion, cough or a sore throat?"
And the help from the university doesn't stop there. Dining Services is also doing their part to accommodate those with swine flu.
"If you become ill and cannot make it to a dining unit for a meal, you may call the dining facility you normally eat in, ask for the manager on duty and request a meal 'to go,'" according to their Web site.
By providing the supervisor with your PeopleSoft number and a friend's name, your friend can pick up your meal and bring it right to your door. The trick in the matter? Finding someone who is willing to come close enough to you so you can give them your student ID card and pick up your meal.
My personal tip? Try your best to get enough sleep so your immune system is at its best. Sleeping an extra hour each night makes you not only well-rested, but also more alert (and cautious) about your surroundings.
"Eating well, staying hydrated and avoiding those with the flu are some basics," said Beth DeRicco, Director of Wellness and Prevention Services at UConn. "As well as using proper hand cleaning techniques. When washing hands it is important to sing the ABC song so that hand washing continues for 20 to 30 seconds, make sure to get in between the fingers as well as the surface of the hand."
There are also a variety of suggestions on the Student Health Services Web site. Some of these recommendations, include coughing and sneezing into your arm or elbow and not your hands, avoiding touching your nose, eyes or mouth and avoiding contact with others you know to are sick.
"Cleaning work stations and home spaces is also critical," said DeRicco. "Throw away used tissues right after use, clean computer keyboards and telephones with surface sanitizers, etc."
Student Health Services suggests that students take an online flu quiz at healthcenter.mesu.edu/flu-page. This quiz asks "Did the illness come abruptly?" and "Do you have a runny nose or nasal congestion, cough or a sore throat?"
And the help from the university doesn't stop there. Dining Services is also doing their part to accommodate those with swine flu.
"If you become ill and cannot make it to a dining unit for a meal, you may call the dining facility you normally eat in, ask for the manager on duty and request a meal 'to go,'" according to their Web site.
By providing the supervisor with your PeopleSoft number and a friend's name, your friend can pick up your meal and bring it right to your door. The trick in the matter? Finding someone who is willing to come close enough to you so you can give them your student ID card and pick up your meal.
My personal tip? Try your best to get enough sleep so your immune system is at its best. Sleeping an extra hour each night makes you not only well-rested, but also more alert (and cautious) about your surroundings.
Be the first to comment on this story