2008 Woodie Awards
Respiratory illnesses, stomach viruses hit students
Jenny Perry
Issue date: 2/13/07 Section: Campus News
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Shannon Deal, R.N., and director of Student Health Services, said the number of people they see with these problems have been varying from day to day.
"Earlier in the week we saw several students that were suffering from a stomach virus; however, we have not seen any in two days," Deal said. "As for the flu, several students have tested positive. The majority of our patients have had respiratory related illnesses." Deal said they have also seen students with strep throat and infectious mononucleosis.
Viruses and bacteria cause illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections and bronchitis. She says that the weather does not have anything to do with people getting sick, contrary to many peoples way of thinking.
"Respiratory viruses are spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza," Deal said. "Although not as common, it is possible to become infected by touching your mouth and nose after you have touched something with flu viruses on it. So it is possible to come into contact with the virus in class. In order to prevent the spread of illness, a student should not attend class if he has a fever."
The flu is caused by the influenza virus and causes mostly upper respiratory problems.
The symptoms of the flu are dry coughing, congestion, aches, a high fever, sore throat, runny nose and exhaustion.
"Complications of the flu include ear infections, dehydration, sinus infections, bacterial pneumonia. Influenza can also lead to worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or congestive heart failure. The flu can also lead to death especially in the elderly and young children. Stomach viruses can lead to dehydration," said Deal.
The stomach virus can be caused by a number of viruses and causes gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and vomiting. There is also a chance of stomach pain and fever.
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