By Brianna Stevens | Editor-in-Chief
Photo by Benjamin Richard
This flu season has seen a particularly aggressive strain, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Anne Schuchat, acting director of the CDC said in a telephone briefing for reporters, “This does not mean we’re having a pandemic, but it is a signal of how very intense the flu season has been. We may be on track to break some recent records.” But how can we prevent the spread of this virus if we constantly touch our face to wipe a runny nose?
Photo by Benjamin Richard
Diane King, Coordinator for Health Services, said that the budget for health services cannot provide tissue boxes to every classroom. She said students can come in the office and take as much as they need. If a student brings a small plastic bag, they can fill it up to take to class with them.
King is a Registered Nurse (R.N.) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) and is authorized to help students with many health needs. King does everything from emergency situation treatment to pregnancy tests. She even practices Reiki for students that need it. She said that the door is always open for students to get the health help that they need.
King said that it hadn’t occurred to her that there would be a need for each classroom to have a tissue box because she assumed students would pack their own. She said students should take responsibility for their own health and it is the student’s own responsibility to care for themself, but the Health Services Office is always available for students to get help.
Photo by Benjamin Richard
King pointed out the “self-help” drawer in the office, which contained generic pain medication, tissues, lotion, and even condoms. Students must be over 18 to use the over-the-counter medication in the self-help drawer, and should fill out the anonymous log of their ailments and what they used for treatment
To reduce the risk of spreading germs and the flu virus, it is important to take symptoms seriously. According to the CDC, the keys to preventing the flu are to avoid close contact with others, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth and nose, and clean your hands. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth directly. This means taking a walk down to Health Services Office to pick up some tissues if you have symptoms.
The Health Services page on the Mounts website gives more information about personal care and flu prevention. It can be found at https://mwcc.edu/current-students/support/health/ or go to the “Current Students” tab on the main website, and Health Services can be found under “Student Support Services.” The Health Service Office and other services offered are always readily available for the benefit of students.
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