It was a beautiful day in August when I moved into my spacious room on campus.
I now retract that statement for I am thoroughly convinced that this place shrinks overnight, and every morning I awake to a noticeably smaller living space!
However, this is physically inconceivable, and the only thing to do is blame my flu-infected mind that has been quarantined in said “spacious” room for the past three days.
Yes, it’s true. I have the flu. And let me tell you… it’s no fun.
We’ve all had our coughs, headaches and allergies along the way, but I can not honestly recall the last time I ran a fever. I have a feeling many of you are in the same boat.
So, with flu season on the rise, I thought I would share a little insider’s guide.First thing’s first—prevention! Seriously guys, wash your hands, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and don’t share drinks.
Obviously, kissing is a great way to get the flu, and we all know this knowledge isn’t going to stop you guys and gals from kissing one another. So, if you’re not feeling well, do something else for that special someone like bake them cookies.
Mmm, cookies. Eww, flu virus. Got it?
Next, if you do have a slight cough (or even a serious one), don’t freak out. You should just go to the Health Center—but let’s be real. Those who have gone know that there’s no such thing as a “walk-in appointment.”
They’re always busy doing something in there. So unless it is an emergency, you need to make an appointment. If you are diagnosed with the flu; you are about to be shut up in your room for the next few days. The Health Center has a nifty program where it will e-mail your professors about your absence, but it’s important that you, too, e-mail them.
The relatively “cool” thing about the flu is that there will be times during the day where you feel just fine and will be able to be productive, so get a head start on some homework. However, until 24 hours after that fever of yours breaks, you are considered “highly contagious” so touch as little as possible.
Stock up on Lysol, magazines (emphasis on the multiple), movies, food (try sticking with light things like popcorn), toothbrushes (throw them out when you’re done being sick), hand sanitizer and Gatorade (I went through two 64 oz bottles).
Get some chunks of work done first. This way you can “enjoy” the rest of your sick leave. Make sure to eat when you feel like you can. If you start to feel nauseous, I found that brushing my teeth helped. Achy? Hot showers are fabulous. Drink constantly. Sleep a lot.
However, the best advice I can give is to keep your cool. The media has gotten a hold of swine flu and has just blown it out of proportion.
Every year people die of the flu as well as car accidents, drug misuse and falling down stairs. Millions more survive these things.
Be a helpful member of the UT community by getting the shots when they are available, keeping yourself and your things clean and seeking appropriate medical attention when necessary.
Jessica Fontaine can be reached at jfontaine@ut.edu.