2008 Woodie Awards
Influenza vs. the cold
Flu and cold are different but preventable nuisances
Kelly MacDonald, Staff WriterIt's that time of year again. A time for winter snow skiing, holiday functions and, of course, getting stuck at home sick in bed. Nothing can ruin a good time quite like getting sick, especially during winter months. Here are some facts and tips to keep healthy this season so you can stay out of bed and out of the doctor's office.
Influenza, known better as the flu, is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that plagues millions of people each year and is responsible for 36,000 deaths in the United States each year, according to Web MD.
These extremely contagious influenza virus strains mutate each year, making it hard for the body to create effective antibodies, said Jan Murray, director of the Health Center. She said the best way to avoid getting influenza this season is to get an influenza vaccination for the three most common strains.
The vaccine, which costs $17, is available at the Whitworth Health Center with or without an appointment and can be charged to a student account.
Because the virus spreads through the air as well as through shared items such as drinks or straws, dorms and bathrooms are a breeding ground for an outbreak, Murray said.
Murray said she suggests all students get the vaccine, even if they are otherwise healthy, so they can continue to attend school and not transmit the virus to others.
Murray's goal is to have 30 percent of the Whitworth campus vaccinated for the flu in order to keep the flu occurrence to a minimum and reduce the chance of an epidemic.
Murray also said it's important to get vaccinated now, because it takes two weeks for the vaccine to fully work.
"If you get the flu shot now you will be immunized for the next four months, which is when you are the most likely to come in contact with the virus," Murray said.
The symptoms of the flu are much like that of a cold: fever, headache, fatigue, runny nose, coughing and a sore throat. Influenza, in contrast to a common cold, can last for more than a week and the symptoms are usually more intense.
Vomiting is not one of the symptoms of the flu. Influenza should not be confused with viral gastroenteritis, often called "the stomach flu," which is characterized by vomiting.
Stories about getting a cold or flu as a result of getting the flu shot are myths, Murray said. It's perfectly safe to get vaccinated, she said. The only side effects are tiredness and that the injection site might be sore.
Sophomore Andrea Mason decided to get a flu shot this season in order to prevent getting infected with the virus.
"I am in a community with other people. I wanted to be proactive about my health," Mason said. "It increases your chances of not getting [the flu]."
If a person doesn't get a flu shot this year, the best way to prevent infection is to regularly wash your hands with hot, soapy water, use an alcohol-based sanitizer and stay away from those who are already infected, Murray said.
If a person does become infected, she suggests drinking lots of fluids and staying home. People who continue to go to work and school after being infected tend to stay sicker longer. Also, antiviral medications are available to reduce the duration of the flu, but they usually only save about a day of sick time.
Influenza is common, affecting thousands old and young, Murray said. The symptoms can keep the afflicted from going to work and school, but that can be prevented with a vaccination.
"People think that they're immune because they're young and healthy," Murray said. "It works to get immunized."
Contact Kelly MacDonald at kelly.macdonald@whitworthian.com.
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