I don’t want a cold, I don’t want the flu, especially since I have homework to do! -MMcK
a shot
OR
the flu
It is that time of year when many on campus
seem to have a cold or are coming down with
the flu. There are some things that you
should know to help you not become one of
those people!
Keep yourself healthy this cold & flu season:
Wash your hands! We can’t stress this enough—it really helps
prevent the spread of disease.
-Wash hands after using the toilet and
before brushing your teeth
Cough into a tissue or your sleeve—not your hands (your
hands touch things all the time and spread the germs more than
your sleeves do).
Don’t touch your face—those germs can enter the body
through your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Drink plenty of fluids-eight 8oz. glasses of non-caffeinated
liquid a day (sorry, coffee and soda don’t count)
Get some fresh air! Even though it’s so cold outside! Heating
systems dry you out making your body more susceptible to
cold & flu viruses. Cold fresh air is better than no fresh air at
all.
Get aerobic exercise to get your virus fighting blood pumping!
Don’t smoke!
Relax—it’s good for your immune system to take a break from
daily stresses.
Source: www.webmd.com
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed
virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. It
contains three influenza viruses. The three vaccine strains
-- one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B
virus -- are representative of the influenza vaccine strains
recommended for that year. The shots are 70%-90% effective in preventing influenza for people younger than
65. shots. Just make an appointment. Protect yourself
and go get one! (if you want) http://www.weather.com/
activities/health/coldandflu/season/shot.html#4
Handwashing
Alcohol-based rubs kill bacteria on
hands. Soap and water are more effective with dirt buildup.
Bathroom Germs
Mold. Mildew. Fecal Matter.
Germs like moist environments like
bathrooms so make sure you’re
cleaning your personal space once a
week (esp bathroom surfaces).
The term influenza originated in Italy in the 1500s. It’s translation
means “the influence of the stars.”
The cycle of the flu is thought to be birds (avian), to pigs (swine) to humans.
There is a higher risk of outbreak when areas of the world with high
domestication of animals because all of the flues (avian, swine, human)
mix and morph into new strains.
Children are more contagious than adults because they have not built
up immunities. They also carry the virus for 10 days where most adults
only are contagious for 6.
The longest side effect of the flu is fatigue which can last for 1-2 weeks
after the other symptoms subside.
Source: Influenze: A Comprehensive Review, December 2011, www.NetCE.com
That kid in my Gen Ed
class keeps sneezing on
me. Ew. Gross.
The BEU still has
FREE flu shots.
Just make an appointment. Protect
yourself and go get
one! (if you want)
At the end of the day, germs are everywhere. Our bodies are made to recognize and fight them and build up immunities. We can’t hide from all
germs. But we can live healthy lifestyles and help our bodies out. We can
keep hydrated, sleep, exercise, eat right
(with a lot of Vitamin C), get the flu
shot, and slow down. Our bodies have
a lot to do and sometimes we have to
give them a (frequently washed) hand.
http://www.ehow.com/about_5132142_bathroom-germs.html
With all the washing, your skin can
get dry and crack. Keep your
hands, legs, and arms moisturized
for smoother, healthier skin!!
PHYSICAL
INTELLECTUAL
Stall Talk
Volume 13, Issue 16
January 23, 2012
Stall Talk is brought to you by Beu Health Center Graduate Assistant Molly McKeogh and Students T.A.L.K. peer educators. For more info., call 298-3225. For more
health info, visit beu.wiu.edu. For adaptive format see Disability Support Services.
EMOTIONAL
SOCIAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
OCCUPATIONAL
SPIRITUAL