Avoid the yearly cold and flu outbreak

Spring is not the only thing in the air these days for UNCW students. The flu has been going around campus infecting a number of students, some even resulting in late night visits to the hospital.

There are a number of things a student can do to prevent getting the flu. Although the best way to prevent the flu would be to get a flu vaccination once a year, there are other measures students around campus could practice. Precautions such as avoiding close contact with others, staying home when you are sick, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, eating right, getting appropriate amounts of sleep and staying physically active will help prevent the spread of flu around campus.

Peter Meyer, medical director at the UNCW Student Heath Center, has seen cases of the flu in many areas on and off campus including both influenza A and B (diagnosed by symptoms and lab testing) and other flu-like illnesses. This is in addition to the usual colds, throat infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, mono, etc.

Students who feel like they are getting even slightly sick should go to the Student Health Center on the second floor of Westside Hall. If for some reason the Health Center is closed, then students can call Vitaline to speak with a registered nurse about what to do.

"We still have a limited number of flu shots available here - it's not too late to prevent getting sick," Meyer said, "but next year, get your flu shot early."