Ever since the first mandate nearly 600 days ago, masks have become a universal necessity in the public eye. However, despite a robust international call for sick individuals to use masks, some people still aren’t getting the big picture.

It should be common sense to protect yourself and others from the viruses circulating about –which is not limited to SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Though much of the recent mask research has been in specific relation to COVID-19, there is significant overlap between other viral infections to suggest that they could be slowed from simply wearing a mask. Unfortunately, it seems some people do not realize the implications of being an unregulated germ production plant – be it for this season’s influenza, rhinovirus or a SARS-CoV-2 variant.

Unless there is a mask mandate in effect, there should be no real consequences for those who choose not to wear a mask, but it is important to recognize when the wellbeing of others should be prioritized over personal convenience.

In other areas of the world, mask use during cold and flu season is commonplace. In Japan, masks are a first line of defense in slowing viral infection transmission among communities and individuals wear masks even to protect themselves from seasonal pollen.

It is also important to recognize that immunocompromised people can still be severely affected from less fatal viral infections like the common cold and influenza. Now more than ever, we should consider wearing a mask for any type of respiratory illness. And as for social acceptability, I promise you that for every person who looks at you weird for wearing a mask, there are 10 more like me who appreciate your effort.

As winter approaches, so does the risk of coming down with infectious bugs. It is important for individuals to receive their immunizations, including the flu shot. College campuses are hubs for infection, and below are some of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection and lower the risk of contracting illness. There are also some resources and locations that you can receive a flu shot.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Most infections are spread through contact and some common surfaces that are a breeding ground for infection include  your cell phone, computer keyboard and door handles. When you are out in communal areas it is important to wash your hands thoroughly. You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm soap and water, but if you only have hand sanitizer, that will suffice.

• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, eyes or face. All of these areas have direct access to the body and can spread infection through contact. Use tissues to rub your eyes or nose, and it’s important to keep your fingernails short in order to prevent the amount of bacteria that can harbor under your nails.

• Getting enough sleep is important in order to keep the immune system strong and allow the body to heal. This is especially important among college students who often don’t receive enough sleep. Sleep has a direct influence on the body’s immune system, which can increase one’s susceptibility to contracting illness. An individual should receive at least 7-8 hours of sleep in order to receive its optimal benefits. 

• Eat a healthy and well-rounded diet by incorporating lots of fruits and veggies. These foods contain a multitude of phytonutrients that help to improve the immune system and promote health. Some amazing vegetables and fruits include kale and spinach, oranges, lemons and limes. 

The flu is one of the most common illnesses seen on college campuses, primarily since college students live in such close quarters. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu vaccine is 40-60 percent effective at preventing the flu. 

“In 2016-2017, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 5.3 million influenza illnesses, 2.6 million influenza-associated medical visits, and 85,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations,” states the Centers for Disease Control. 

There are a variety of places that individuals can go to receive cheap flu vaccinations. The health center at Jewell offers flu vaccines for $12. Local CVS and Walgreens locations offer free flu shots if individuals show the provider their health insurance card.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the national death toll so far this year is 53. Missouri has had 50,000 flu cases so far this season, which makes it one of the states with the highest flu rate. The number of cases has quadrupled since last season. Adults over 65 and children under 5 have been hospitalized most. Older individuals are more susceptible to infection. Children are also highly susceptible because their immune systems are not fully developed. Flu season began 10 weeks ago and will last until March.

Jewell has developed a quarantine policy in order to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak. According to the policy, those who have tested positive for influenza will be asked to return home if they live within 60 miles. If they live farther than that, they will be asked to relocate temporarily to either the fourth or first floor of Browning. Food, water and Gatorade will be available in Browning for the quarantined students. The campus nurse practitioner will make one round each day to check on quarantined students in the designated area. Moreover, quarantined students will not be allowed to return to their usual residence halls, classes or campus activities until they are symptom-free for 24 hours without medication and their fever is gone.

The new quarantine policy was approved this year.

Nurse Paula Brown

“We found in the past that people with the flu who live in the dorms could pass it to other people. We saw quite a big outbreak actually last February and in the past some students who lived close by went home but others stayed in their dorms and of course [the flu] is passed through coughing and air and so it puts other students in risk,” said Paula Brown, Jewell nurse practitioner. “Even people who are vaccinated can still get the flu. In no year has a flu vaccine been 100 percent effective. So we talked about doing it last year and the flu ran its course and we were not seeing a lot of cases so we didn’t implement it, but there was a couple of weeks in February last year when we had three dozen cases and a lot of it was in athletes. The athletes spend a lot of time together and are doing additional activities so they are tired and I think they are a little more susceptible because of that. So we [decided that putting] them in one place where I could just go and check on them and see if they are healing properly would keep the general population safer.”

So far, there have been four flu cases at Jewell. However, no student is currently quarantined since all of those diagnosed live within 60 miles of campus and could go home.

In order to avoid infection, the National Institutes of Health advises people to be vaccinated annually. It also advises infected people to stay home and avoid contact with others. Flu shots are offered at Jewell for a low fee.

Everyone is prone to infection no matter how healthy they are. However, effective prevention tips include using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, covering coughs and sneeze with disposable tissues, avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth, avoiding contact with sick people and avoiding sharing food and drinks.

Photos by Christina Kirk.