Flu hits MTSU

Influenza has stricken MTSU students and faculty in record-breaking numbers this past week.

Richard Chapman, director of student health services, said that the flu is affecting student health. "We are definitely seeing it," said Chapman. "We saw 885 students just last week. Our busiest day was Monday where we saw 227 students. That is our record high for the last 10 years."

In the midst of the spreading infection, some students have endured the flu multiple times.

"I had the flu for three days and it is the second time I have had it. I have about ten fraternity brothers who have it," said Shane Vachunek, junior, electronic media journalism.

When asked how he handled influenza, Vachunek said, "My mom is a doctor, and I could not even get out of bed. I had to call my mom to help me. It ruined the Super Bowl."

Influenza is caused by viral infections that attack the respiratory tract in the body. The Tennessee Department of Health's Web site states that some symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. Nausea and vomiting may also occur, but it is considered abnormal.

The flu may seem to be a minor setback, but it can be the catalyst of potentially life threatening illnesses. Though most recover in a couple of weeks, conditions such as pneumonia can develop from the flu. Each year the flu hospitalizes 114,000 people and kills 36,000 more, the Tennessee Department of Health reported.

There are ways to avoid catching the flu. Chapman said that frequent hand washing and taking vitamin C would help prevent the flu from spreading. "Basically, do what your mom said to do as a kid," Chapman said.

Another means of defense from the flu is vaccination. The immunization shot is made from dead influenza viruses and helps the body fight the flu. Flu vaccinations could prevent 70 to 90 percent of flu cases, TDH reported. The vaccination takes about two weeks to become effective and lasts four to six months. The vaccination comes in two forms - a shot or nasal spray.

The flu immunization can protect not only the vaccinated, but the community around them as well.

People who are considered at high risk for flu are: pregnant women, people over 50 years of age, children who are six months to five years of age, those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and anyone caring for a young infant.

"We certainly encourage students to get a flu shot. In a 14-week semester, losing a week of school can be pretty taxing. The flu shot is a good investment," Chapman said.

With so much of the campus ill, it is important to practice good hygiene.

These precautions can protect against the flu and other illnesses.