By Rosie Smith
January through March are the months of cold and flu season, so it’s important to keep regular health practices steady, inside and outside. McNicholas’ Registered Nurse, Mrs. Amy Powderly, Anatomy & Physiology teacher, Ms. Cat Humphries, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), helped suggest these regulations that can help sick students, or students trying not to get sick.
The standard protocols for staying healthy are usually hand washing, covering every cough, and avoiding food and drink sharing, but diet, sleep, exercise, and isolation should also be a part of a daily routine when sick. McNicholas’s school nurse, Mrs. Amy Powderly said, “I think it’s still important to keep the standard health practices as part of our routine especially during flu season.” The CDC suggests avoiding touching eyes, nose, mouth, and close contact with others who are sick, getting vaccinated, and taking action for cleaner air, as ways to prevent sickness. For example, opening a window for fresh air or purifying indoor air can provide additional protection during cold and flu season.
According to the CDC the best way to prevent the risk of the flu and its risks is, “to get vaccinated each year,” but the CDC says that actions such as washing your hands, covering your cough, and avoiding those who are sick will also help to stop the spread of germs, and assist in preventing respiratory illnesses like the flu. In a recent Milestone survey, 27 students shared how often they get sick, how they prevent getting sick, and how they are affected overall. Sophomore Ali Strange shared how sickness affects how well she sleeps. “When I am sick it does affect how well I sleep. It will often keep me up at night depending on what it is. If I have a headache or trouble breathing, it is hard for me to fall asleep. Especially if I also have a fever,” she said.
Senior Tanner Shelly said, “Staying up to date with vaccinations, practicing good hygiene [like]hand washing, showering -, etcetera” helps him steer clear of the cold and flu. Others said that washing hands more frequently, getting a good night’s sleep, and staying away from people who are sick are strategies they practice.
Anatomy & Physiology teacher, Ms. Cat Humphries explained that sanitizing frequently touched surfaces, washing water bottles every day, and eating a healthy diet can help prevent catching a cold or the flu. “You’re always going to absorb your nutrients better from a whole food rather than some kind of supplement, so I would just say work on making sure your diet is balanced and you’re eating whole foods [like] fruits and vegetables,” she said. She further explained that “not pushing yourself” is a good prevention, like staying home from school and giving your body rest when sick.
The McNicholas Milestone 