The spring semester will be over before we know it, but unfortunately flu season is still happening. Many people have different opinions on if they should get the flu shot or ignore theirs symptoms.
Laura Roberts, a nurse at the Student Health Center said, “I know we have busy lives. Being a student, and getting enough rest is really hard but you know resting is so important for our bodies to be strong. Try to get enough sleep.”
Roberts also added, “I had a dad who was a doctor and a mom in health care and they both sent me to school, so don’t do what I did. I have sympathy for those that have pressure to continue what they need to do when they are sick, but really that is not ideal.”
Now she knows to take her time off when she does get sick. Not only does she know when to take her time off but to prevent herself from getting sick she always follows the World Health Organization’s 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene.
Dr. Sergio Mazon from the Student Health Center washes his hands constantly to stay away from the flu. If he happens to get sick he rests, hydrates and washes his hands frequently.
His mother would make him soup when he was sick growing up. “Soup is always good… We didn’t know why it was important but it kept us hydrated and there [were] valuable nutrients and vitamins in soup that would help you. She always made ones that were our favorites like Caldo de Res,” said Dr. Mazon.
Dr. Mazon especially advises people who have compromised immune systems to get the flu shot because they make you more vulnerable to diseases. Even though the flu season is starting late this year compared to prior years he advises everyone to
- Get the flu shot.
- Stay rested and hydrated.
- Do some self care by eating healthy and not skipping meals and getting some exercise.
“Exercise will help us build our resilience. [It] helps to manage stress, helps us to make us stronger both physically and mentally; and that helps our immune system,” Dr. Mazon said.
Students are welcomed to go to the Student Health Center to get a free flu shot during walk-in hours.
