While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have announced the worst flu season in a decade, The University of Mississippi has experienced fewer infections this season, according to campus health officials.
Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that Mississippi currently has a regional spread of the flu, Ole Miss seems less affected than other areas of the state, according to Barbara Collier, director of the university’s V.B. Harrison Student Health Services.
“We started having our flu in October and November,” Collier said. “Then we had our Thanksgiving break, so kids went away.”
Student Health Services reported that only 30 students have been diagnosed with the flu since Jan. 2.
Collier said she has not witnessed even a normal flu season, during which the number of patients doubles and peaks in January or February.
However, light flu season does not mean that students shouldn’t take precautions and strengthen their immune system.
Students’ main defense is to practice good hygienic habits, such as not sneezing on their hands to prevent bacteria getting on other items.
Collier said most students are unaware that a sufficient amount of rest is crucial to staying healthy.
“Rest is essential for your body to repair,” Collier said.
“People come in and they feel tired and think something is wrong. It’s because of the lack of sleep.”
Students should also take their nutrition under consideration during the flu season.
Teresa Carithers, professor of nutrition and hospitality management, said that the vitamins and antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables work together to help the immune system.
“Students feel that supplements will fight off certain types of bacteria, but what we’ve learned is that fresh fruits and vegetable(s) actually have more optimal utilization by the body,” Carithers said.
“So, it’s actually the best use of money to consume fresh fruits and vegetables.”
If students have flu symptoms, though, Sandra Bentley, director of pharmacy at the V.B. Harrison Health Services, said there is medication to help.
“An antiviral medication like Tamiflu can reduce the number of days and the severity of the symptoms,” Bentley said.
“Other medications like Tylenol or Advil can reduce the fever and ache associated with the flu.”
Most bathrooms on campus have fliers that inform students about preventing or coping with the flu virus.
Junior English and psychology major Katherine Bradford said this is a good idea because it creates a sense of awareness in the student body.
“Putting things in the newspaper and magazines about being healthy is a good way to let people know that it is flu season, and the last thing you want to do is get everyone else sick,” Bradford said.
Sophomore elementary education major Shelby Chambliss has lived in Crosby Hall for two years and has noticed that it seems to be cleaner this year.
“I feel like it’s been cleaner this year with the custodial staff,” Chambliss said.
“They are doing a good job this year by helping to make sure no one gets sick.”
