Southwestern College Collegian

Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Features

It's an unspecified upper respiratory infection. Jane Kauffman, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, said, "We're not really sure what the sickness is but it's a form of an upper respiratory and a viral bacterial infection." But antibiotics simply won't cure it. Viruses have to wear out and usually take four weeks to get over. Kauffman said, "I've seen several cases of influenza." Tami Pullins, associate academic vice president for advising and student success said, "The worst part is the flu shot I got in the fall is not the same strand of flu that's going around." Both Pullins and the nurse have experienced the unnamed sickness. Kauffman said, "I've seen between eight and 10 people a day with the same symptoms. They've got coughs, body aches, and high fevers. But there really isn't anything I can do." The onset of the epidemic is loss of energy, sinus drainage, and cough. Pullins said, "I was sick for four days before I went to the doctor." And seeing a doctor may not be the answer. Kauffman said, "There really isn't anything to prescribe because we don't know what it is. I recommend a decongestant, some Tylenol for fevers and pains, and lots of fluids." It's not your fault if you get sick it's just something that's going around. Kauffman said, "The problem is students are in such close quarters and it's more difficult to avoid it when it's all around Your immune systems are down when you're burning the candle at both ends, it just passes from person to person." Jason Jeschke, sports management junior, said, "I think just everyone around doesn't wash their hands and a college campus isn't the most sanitary place in the world." Hand washing is an important factor. Kauffman said, "I probably wash my hands 50 times a day now," Pullins said, "Folks have got to be extra careful because it's everywhere and I know its hard but you've got to stay away from the sick people. A lot of kids have low defenses because they don't eat right, and they're in stuffy places. Fresh air can make a big difference." Ashley Holloway is a senior majoring in communication. You may e-mail her at ashley.holloway@sckans.edu.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools