OCR Text |
Show Monday November 24, 2008 Super Bug I New this week ALITHA JOHNSON Ufe writer How to conquer the flu 'm hovering in your classes. I'm watching you on the computer and stalking you through the halls. I lurk under chairs and windows and desks, waiting. Waiting for you to lower your guard— waiting for the perfect time to strike. I am the flu. Many people mistake the flu for a cold. However, they are quite different. A cold begins slowly; the first symptoms include a sore throat and a runny nose. The flu, on the other hand, hits quickly. Headaches, chills and extreme fatigue are very common. The major difference is a fever. It is cdmmon for the flu to push fevers up to 104 degrees. If you mistake the cold for the flu, there isn't a problem, but vice versa can lead to a longer and more severe illness. The flu can knock you out of commission for 2-3 weeks if it's not taken care of. Plus, it is very easy to spread. You can get it by touching a person or object that has the germ and then touching any open place on your body, such as your nose, mouth, eyes or an open wound. In about seven days, you will be the miserable one. If you want the mist, see if your insurance covers it. Vaccination Illustration by Aaron Anderson/ UVU Review The flu/cold isn't directly related to the cold weather, but to people staying inside. Americans pays over $12 billion a year trying to battle the flu. The flu virus can linger in the air for as long as 3 hours. The student wellness center is usually the cheapest, easiest place to find the flu vaccine. However, the center ran out of vaccine in early November. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reccomend that all children from 6 months to 19 years old get the vaccine every year. Don't take aspirin if you have flu-like symptoms. Don't want to be miserable? Try vaccination. The vaccine prevents the flu in about 70-90 percent of adults. The bad news is the effectiveness is dependant on the match between the viruses in the vaccine and what viruses are actually in the air. The effectiveness is also dependant on how socially accepted a person feels. A recent study at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh showed that the vaccine had a lower response in lonely first-year students. The good news is that the vaccine reduces the severity if the flu does come. For those who hate needles, you are in luck. A lot of college students are eligible for the nasal mist instead of the shot. The catch? The nasal spray contains a weakened live flu virus instead of the killed virus in the shot. You may get a runny nose for a few days, but at least you don't have to deal with needles. Anyone who has a weakened immune system or certain health conditions should check with a doctor before getting the nasal mist. The shot vaccine can give you a headache and low-grade fever for a couple of days; however, compared to the flu, it might be the better option for you. You can get the vaccine at supermarkets such as Albertsons and Shopko or your local doctor or health clinic. It costs about $10-50. 24: Redemption, Nov. 25 Prevention All the sources agree. The best way to prevent the flu is to wash your hands, not touch your face, drink lots of water, and take your vitamin C. However, there are many other things you can do to avoid this miserable season: Take hot showers. No one can explain why, but people who get "steamed" at least twice a week get half as many colds as those who don't. Get fresh air. It might be really cold, but at least it isn't congested. Due to the cold weather, people tend to stay indoors. This makes the air inside stagnant and capable of carrying more germs. Exercise. There are exercise classes at the school that you can take for 2 credits, and the fees are usually small. The school also offers the exercise equipment to any student. Eat yogurt. According to WebMD, eating a cup of low-fat yogurt daily can reduce the chance of getting the cold or flu by up to 25 percent. The bacteria in yogurt stimulates your immune system. Relax. People who know how to relax can activate their immune systems on demand. However, relaxing mazon.com A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of AIL, Nov. 25 Amazon.com Fred Claus, Nov. 25 mazon.com George Carlin: It's Bad For Ya, Nov. 25 mazon.com Hancock, Nov. 25 doesn't mean sitting bored. Train yourself to picture an image you find pleasant and calming. Example: Finals canceled. Amazon.com Too late: you're sick So you have the flu. Now what? It's too late to prevent, and the flu has you in its grasp. Don't despair; there is hope for you. Stay warm and rested. No, class isn't restful. By sleeping and staying warm, your body can direct its energy straight toward the battle within. If you take a day off, you will get better more quickly. Plus, you won't be passing the germs to others. Sleep with an extra pillow under your head. This will help you to breathe. By keeping your head elevated your nose will continue to drain and you won't get all that congestion in your sinuses. Drink hot liquids. Drinking hot liquids is a lot like taking a steamy shower. The warmth will soothe your nose and throat and will prevent you from getting dehydrated. Take your vitamins. Zinc, vitamin C, cod liver oil and Echinacea all help to boost your immune system and help you to get on your feet with the least amount of trouble. The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Dec. 2 azon.com Wanted, Dec. 2 iazon.com Australia, Nov. 26 Yahoo.com Four Christmases, Nov. 26 Yahoo.com B I N G O N sponsored by the Mentor ClubLife writer UV Mentor Club is hosting a bingo night for family, friends and those interested in becoming a mentor. Mentors are master students who are involved as coaches or mentors in the CLSS 1000 student success classes. They help students to become more connected on campus and more involved in their first year experience. Mentors are required to give 10 hours a week to students, in exchange for a scholarship. This club started for the purpose of spreading the word to those looking to become involved. Men- tors meet new people, and have their schooling paid for. It's a great opportunity to be a leader, and for experience to include on resumes. One doesn't have to be a UV mentor to be a part of the club. It is also a place for people to ask questions about leadership opportunities, as well as have a good time and make new friends. The UV mentor club arranges fund-raisers, activities and service projects. Currently they are raising money for a Subfor-Santa family and supporting the food drive here on campus. The club will be hosting an activity in the Student Center for the All-Nighter coming up Jan. 31. The club currently has Milk, Nov. 26 I G H T When: Wednesday Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. W h e r e : SC206A C o s t : $2 at the door . four committees that any club member can be a part of or even take role as president or vice president in activities, marketing, service, or fund-raising branches. The club was started this semester of 2008. The members hope for the club to continue, and for several more students to be included. The club has an event at least once every semester and hopes to have more. Bingo night, the club's first activity, will take place Dec. 1, 2008 in SC 206a. The money earned will help fund a Sub-forSanta family. The entry charge is $2 dollars at the door. There will be prizes, including restaurant gift certificates and attire from the bookstore. There will be food, music and karaoke for those daring enough to sing. The club chose bingo activity to have a good time for all ages. If interested, come join the club, meet new people, and learn more about available scholarships. com Transporter 3, Nov. 26 Yahoo.com Cadillac Records, Dec. 5 Yahoo.com Frost/Nixon, Dec. 5 Andrea Fogt is the President of the UVU Mentor Club Yahoo.com |