2008 Woodie Awards
Fishing for an Answer: Tips for the unwell LC student
Sherry Carstens and Cary Knier
Issue date: 10/5/06 Section: Features
For the past week or so I have not felt well. My head and throat hurt. I can't seem to shake it. What am I suppose to do?
- A sick student
Well sick student you are not alone. I know it won't be much of a consolation but the past few weeks, when the weather changed, many other of your classmates have had similar symptoms.
More than likely you have a virus. Some of the complaints we are seeing in the Health Center are headache, stuffy or runny nose, pressure around eyes/cheeks, sore throat, some fevers, some have coughs.
Viruses don't respond to antibiotics so you use over the counter medication to help you deal with the symptoms. Viruses can be around as little as one day or up to ten days. They can make you feel very miserable.
Some things we are telling the other students are basic suggestions. It may not seem like much but your body needs to be taken care of. First get some rest. At least eight hours of sleep at night. Fluids are really important. Water is the best add a glass or two of orange juice plus Gatorade, tea, etc during the day.
Avoid Alcohol while you're sick. Use a decongestant for that stuffy nose. If your sinuses are full this can cause your headache, the sore throat and cough from the post nasal drip.
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for fever and aches. Using throat lozenges or cough drops are also some helpful things you can carry in your pocket. I think the most important thing though is to wash your hands.
Also keep your hands away from your face. Think about all the other sick people coughing into their hands then touching door knobs, handrails, keyboards. You touch them then rub you nose and you've picked up the germs. If you feel you just can't shake this after 7-10 days or symptoms get worse contact the Health Center or see your doctor.
- A sick student
Well sick student you are not alone. I know it won't be much of a consolation but the past few weeks, when the weather changed, many other of your classmates have had similar symptoms.
More than likely you have a virus. Some of the complaints we are seeing in the Health Center are headache, stuffy or runny nose, pressure around eyes/cheeks, sore throat, some fevers, some have coughs.
Viruses don't respond to antibiotics so you use over the counter medication to help you deal with the symptoms. Viruses can be around as little as one day or up to ten days. They can make you feel very miserable.
Some things we are telling the other students are basic suggestions. It may not seem like much but your body needs to be taken care of. First get some rest. At least eight hours of sleep at night. Fluids are really important. Water is the best add a glass or two of orange juice plus Gatorade, tea, etc during the day.
Avoid Alcohol while you're sick. Use a decongestant for that stuffy nose. If your sinuses are full this can cause your headache, the sore throat and cough from the post nasal drip.
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for fever and aches. Using throat lozenges or cough drops are also some helpful things you can carry in your pocket. I think the most important thing though is to wash your hands.
Also keep your hands away from your face. Think about all the other sick people coughing into their hands then touching door knobs, handrails, keyboards. You touch them then rub you nose and you've picked up the germs. If you feel you just can't shake this after 7-10 days or symptoms get worse contact the Health Center or see your doctor.
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