BVU Health Services hosted its annual “Fight the Flu” education booth on campus this past Wednesday. In addition to providing students with information, Health Services also provided over 30 students with flu vaccinations.

Health Services nurse Tami Laursen, weighs in on how the change of weather can typically stir up symptoms of sickness.

“As students come together at the start of school each fall, the life of a college student is the perfect “recipe” for illness,” Laursen said. “Students experience many things that can affect their immune system.”

The immune system can be affected by a number of aspects: stress, lack of sleep, unhealthy food, alcohol, sharing beverages or utensils, and even late night studying.

“When the immune system becomes compromised, students are more susceptible to colds,” Laursen said.

The following symptoms are typical for cold season:

• Coughing
• Sinus drainage
• Ear fullness or ear pain
• Sore throat
• Lethargic

Later, these symptoms can potentially evolve into symptoms such as a fever, dry cough with chest comfort or swollen glands.

Students should see a doctor if the following aspects occur during sickness:

• Symptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last
• Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus (100.8 F)
• Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving

In order to stay healthy, Laursen suggests that students eat right, get sleep, drink 8-10 8 oz. glasses of water per day, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands, and keep distance from others who are clearly sick.

“Your best defense against getting the flu is an annual vaccination,” Laursen said. “In addition, by getting vaccinated, you will prevent spreading the flu to those around you.”

If students are interested in receiving a flu vaccination, Health Services still has vaccinations available and can be given without making an appointment.

Health Services is located in the lower-level of the Fieldhouse L-25 125 (adjacent to the swimming pool). Their hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m on Monday-Friday.

For additional information, follow BVU’s Health and Services link to learn more about sickness prevention.