Cold and Flu Spread During the Winter Season

The Engle Center has seen several cases of pneumonia so far this season, and with many other seasonal illnesses out there, the Engle Center urges students to take precautions against getting sick.

"I've seen about a dozen cases of pneumonia this year and this is only the start [of the winter season]," said Coordinator of Health Services Judy Groop.

Pneumonia symptoms often mimic that of the flu – sore throat, fever and congestion — but those with pneumonia will also experience chest pains, chills, cold sweats, muscle pain, and fatigue.

"Keep your distance from people who have those cold symptoms-- at least five to six feet," said Groop. "And stay outdoors whenever you can. Fresh air always does good and will prevent you from being confined to a small area where sicknesses may thrive."

As the winter season approaches, common illnesses such as the cold and flu will begin to spread around campus. Every year during this time, both students and staff are more susceptible to certain illnesses due to the drastic shift in weather and other factors, such as stress and a lack of sleep.

"When students are tired and stressed they tend to let their guard down because they have other things to think about," said Groop. "Getting some sleep lessens the stress and will make a student more aware."

Typically, the common cold is the most prominent winter sickness. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and congestion. The flu is also another illness seen in the winter. Symptoms are the same as the common cold, but more severe.

Groop also adds that washing your hands frequently is a must. Students may hear this precaution frequently but often do not understand just how helpful it is in preventing illness.

During the year, the Engle Center averages 6,500 visits.

"That averages out to be two visits per student," said Groop.

As winter approaches, the Engle Center starts to see the number of visits rise to 25-35 students per day.

"As of yesterday [October 1, 2011] we saw 47 students, each of them very sick," she said, but the number of visits usually "depends on what is going around."

"Since we have a lot of pneumonia this year, the average could change."

The Engle Center is a walk-in clinic with no appointments needed unless a student would like to see the nurse practitioner, Sandra Halbruner, who is trained in infectious diseases, internal medications, and travel clinics for students who are studying abroad. A visit with Halbruner costs twenty dollars but all others are free.

The Engle Center offers information sheets about viral illnesses and guidelines on how and why to take certain medications. They also offer various vaccines, cold medications (similar to Dayquil) and over-the-counter drugs such as Tylenol and Advil. Cold medications cost a dollar for four daily doses.

Groop encourages students to take advantage of the services offered at the Engle Center, including flu shots.

"Students think they don't need a flu shot … A flu shot is truly the hidden secret [to prevent the illness]."

She said everyone should get the flu shot annually or at least biannually. Flu shots are available at the Engle Center for $25 during regular business hours.