Lately there has been a lot of sickness going around. This has been affecting students’ attendance and how they are doing in school. “There have been over 15 students absent recently because of being sick,” said Mrs. Aguiar, Associate Dean of Student Life. Not getting homework done as well as not being able to focus in class have been some of the impacts of being sick. Here are some tips and tricks on how to stay healthy throughout this sickness season.
What should you do to stop the spread of germs?
You should wash your hands properly. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best defenses for not getting sick. Soap and water are always the best way to get rid of the germs on your hands. However, if you don’t have access to running water, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is recommended by doctors. Try to wash your hands before and after meals.
“Most important is hand washing to minimize germs at home and at school,” said school nurse, Mrs. Coyle. “Of course when you cough or sneeze, it’s always good to wash your hands after that.”
Wipe down surfaces to keep everything clean. Cleaning surfaces to remove dirt and germs in common areas will help you stay healthy. But be sure to follow the instructions on your cleansers and disinfectants. Many students have stated that this helps keep them healthy. “My mom loves keeping things clean, so this really prevents me from getting sick,” said Allie Reinhard ‘29.
Learn sneezing and coughing etiquette. Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hand. Instead, use a tissue to cover your mouth or nose, or cough into your elbow to completely cover your face.
Finally, “[stay] home when you are sick as well so you don’t spread your germs at school,” said Nurse Coyle.
Is the flu vaccine helpful?
“The flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year.”
“I get the flu every year [because] I can’t receive the flu shot because I am allergic,” said one Upper School student.
In addition to helping prevent the flu, it can also help reduce the seriousness. In 2021, a study showed that among adults who had the flu, vaccinated patients had a 26% lower risk of being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Flu vaccination prevents tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year. For example, “during 2019-2020, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 100,000 flu-related hospitalizations.”
How to Live Healthily and Reduce Illness
According to David Nieman, DrPH, director of the Human Performance Lab at Appalachian State University, “Exercise is “the single most important thing you can do to reduce sick days.”
“Research suggests that consistent exercise gives your immune system a boost,” and you don’t have to spend your life at the gym to receive these benefits. According to Nieman, “People who exercise for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week have a 46% reduction in the number of days of illness compared with those who didn’t exercise.”
Sitting in the sun can also help. Vitamin D that you get from the sun boosts your immunity. Whether it be playing a sport, or just sitting out in the sun with your friends or family, getting sun every now and then will definitely help you when combatting a cold, or just trying not to get sick.
Vary your meal plans. Fad diets won’t help your immune system. You should mix up your meals. Start with vegetables. Vegetables are full of nutrients called antioxidants that build up your immune system. Also, drink green tea, and try probiotics. “A recent study in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that “stressed-out college students who got these “good” bacteria had fewer sick days than those who didn’t.”
Also make sure you are eating food with high fiber and protein. Eating foods like salmon or rice is a great and delicious way to keep your body healthy and strong. “My mom is a nutritionist. I eat very healthy, and I rarely get sick,” said Domenica Gomez ’29.
You should also drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Drinking at least four to five glasses of water each day can help prevent you from catching a cold or virus. This may seem excessive, but this will definitely prevent you from getting sick. Make sure to remind yourself that drinking water will help you.
These are the most effective tips and strategies for maintaining good health, particularly during this time. “Make sure to stay in good health, and don’t be around people who are or might be sick,” said Nurse Coyle.
