2008 Woodie Awards
Keeping health above par as temperatures sink
Lindsay Straub
Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: Health
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As temperatures go down and health complications go up, professionals provide general information and preventative measures for the winter season ahead.
Marist College physician Mary Dunne, MD, has seen an increase in student activity at Health Services during these past few weeks. The most common sickness students seem to develop due to the cold weather is an upper respiratory infection, which includes the common cold and influenza, said Dunne.
"The peak season for influenza does not begin for another week or so and lasts until about March," said Dunne. "So even now, there is still a benefit to getting the flu shot."
Health Services has offered the flu shot to students campus-wide for the past few years. There is currently a surplus of the shots, which will be available to students until the end of this week. Faculty and staff members will then be able to purchase the remaining vaccinations.
According to Dunne, the flu develops abruptly and is accompanied by symptoms which can include a dry cough, high fever, muscle aches and prostration, or a condition marked by dizziness, nausea, and weakness caused by insufficient body fluids and electrolytes. Covering your mouth when sneezing, coughing into your elbow instead of your hand, and frequently washing your hands are a few precautions to prevent illnesses like the flu and common cold.
"It's the simple things like gloves, a hat, and other appropriate clothing," said Dunne. "But more often than not I see students dressed like it's October when it's 24 degrees outside!"
Even students that dress in layers each time they step outdoors may succumb to the common health complications associated with cold weather. Sophomore Alyssa Tesoriero said that she faces a fever, sore throat, and sinus congestion during the winter months. It takes about a week for the symptoms, which she treats with "basic stuff" like Tylenol Cold and Sinus and lozenges, to subside.
"Every single time the weather drastically changes, I get sick in some way or another without fail," said Tesoriero.
Marist College physician Mary Dunne, MD, has seen an increase in student activity at Health Services during these past few weeks. The most common sickness students seem to develop due to the cold weather is an upper respiratory infection, which includes the common cold and influenza, said Dunne.
"The peak season for influenza does not begin for another week or so and lasts until about March," said Dunne. "So even now, there is still a benefit to getting the flu shot."
Health Services has offered the flu shot to students campus-wide for the past few years. There is currently a surplus of the shots, which will be available to students until the end of this week. Faculty and staff members will then be able to purchase the remaining vaccinations.
According to Dunne, the flu develops abruptly and is accompanied by symptoms which can include a dry cough, high fever, muscle aches and prostration, or a condition marked by dizziness, nausea, and weakness caused by insufficient body fluids and electrolytes. Covering your mouth when sneezing, coughing into your elbow instead of your hand, and frequently washing your hands are a few precautions to prevent illnesses like the flu and common cold.
"It's the simple things like gloves, a hat, and other appropriate clothing," said Dunne. "But more often than not I see students dressed like it's October when it's 24 degrees outside!"
Even students that dress in layers each time they step outdoors may succumb to the common health complications associated with cold weather. Sophomore Alyssa Tesoriero said that she faces a fever, sore throat, and sinus congestion during the winter months. It takes about a week for the symptoms, which she treats with "basic stuff" like Tylenol Cold and Sinus and lozenges, to subside.
"Every single time the weather drastically changes, I get sick in some way or another without fail," said Tesoriero.
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