Stay Healthy!

College brings with it many opportunities and benefits, but it also introduces you into a world filled with new, harmful germs. Yuck, I know. Because the college life introduces you to so many different individuals and new friends, it makes it that much easier for an illness to spread. Just as well, it is not uncommon to see many more injuries upon a college campus as well. I thought that it would be appropriate to address the top 8 illnesses/injuries found among college students for my last blog post!

1.       Meningococcal Meningitis

This illness is caused by a bacterial infection that results in swelling of the membranes covering the brain. Meningococcal meningitis is common on college campuses because college kids live in such close quarters. Epidemics are most common in the spring and winter, and outbreaks of this college illness have increased in recent years. About 100 to 125 college kids can be expected to come down with meningitis each year. To safeguard college health, a simple meningococcal meningitis vaccination is recommended for students living in dormitories. “The highest risk is for kids under 21, and most schools now require a vaccination for their students,” says Dr. Napolitana.

2.       Colds and Flu

“In 2009 the H1N1 flu virus came up from Mexico and swept across many college campuses,” says Napolitana. Colds and flu viruses thrive on college campuses because students are sharing close quarters and may not take all the preventive measures they should. Most college health centers offer the flu vaccine, and it is recommended for all students. As for the best way to avoid the common cold, avoid burning the candle at both ends, avoid sharing personal items with sick classmates, and wash your hands frequently.

 

3.       Foodborne Illnesses

“A college is like a cruise ship,” notes Napolitana, and not necessarily in a good way. Norovirus and other foodborne viruses can spread from contaminated food and water and from touching contaminated surfaces — and symptoms like diarrhea and nausea then spread quickly, too. Sharing bathrooms and food sources is a common cause of outbreaks of this college illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recent outbreaks on campuses in California, Michigan, and Wisconsin point out the need to prevent foodborne illnesses through hand washing, vigilant disinfecting of common areas, and making sure any sick food workers stay home until they’ve recovered.

 

4.       STDs and HIV

“One of the most important discussions that needs to take place before a college student goes away to school is the importance of safe sex,” advises Napolitana. Kids may experience a sexual freedom that they did not have in high school. Studies show that college-age kids are at the highest risk for STDs. The CDC recommends that college age women get the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccination and that sexually active women get tested for chlamydia and other STDs yearly for early detection of these college illnesses. The best preventions for STDs and HIV include abstinence, a safe and faithful relationship, or use of a latex condom.

 

5.       Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is a common college illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms are severe sore throat, fever, and exhaustion. “Mononucleosis tends to be more severe and prolonged in college age kids and can result in loss of a semester or the dropping of a college sport,” says Napolitana. Most mononucleosis infections occur between the ages of 10 and 19. Studies show that college kids have similar rates of infection as active military personnel at about 11 to 48 cases for every 1,000 students. The best way to avoid this college illness is to avoid getting run-down.

 

6.       Strep Infections

These infections are caused by the bacteria group A streptococcus, and the symptoms can be very similar to mononucleosis. But since strep is a bacterial infection it responds to antibiotics. Like mononucleosis, living in close quarters and getting run-down are common risk factors for this common college illness. Although most sore throats are caused by viruses, a throat culture can usually diagnose strep, and strep infections usually respond quickly to the right medication. Strep season usually follows the cold and flu season and prevention measures are the same.

 

7.       Dating Violence

Several large studies on sexual violence as a college health issue have found that at least half of all incidents are related to alcohol use, about 95 percent happen to women, and rates of sexual violence range from 30 to 50 percent. The American College Health Association recognizes this important college health issue and believes that rates of dating violence may actually be underreported. Dating violence may result in lower academic success as well as persistent mental and physical health problems. The best prevention is through education, enforcement of strict disciplinary guidelines, and having alcohol-free environments.

 

8.       Accidental Injuries

“Like dating violence, a large percentage of college accidents are related to alcohol abuse,” says Napolitana. Studies show that more than 1,400 college students die each year from alcohol-related accidents, including motor vehicle accidents. It is also estimated that about 600,000 college students get into alcohol-related fights. Accidental injuries not related to alcohol are much less common and can be prevented by common sense measures such as wearing a helmet when biking. But the most important way to safeguard college health is to avoid drinking or to only drink responsibly.

 

So….the main message here is TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND BE CAREFUL!!! We all know that with studying and such a heavy workload, there is no time to get sick!! I hope that these tips help and I also hope that no one will have to experience any of the above illnesses/injuries anytime soon!

Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/college-health-pictures/protect-your-health-in-college-by-taking-smart-precautions.aspx#/slide-1

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One Response to Stay Healthy!

  1. Emily Pearlman says:

    I hope we can all stay away from these illnesses! I’ve always been a little paranoid about getting mono because you’re sick for weeks! I bet one of the reasons college students get sick a lot is because we don’t always get a sufficient amount of sleep, so our bodies can’t fight off illness as well.

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