Student Health and Counseling has been very busy lately with a lot of sick people dragging in the door for help. I thought it would interest the rest of you to know what these folks have so you can do your best to avoid it.
Typical for this time of year, we're seeing a lot of respiratory infections: colds, bronchitis, sinus infections and the like. These are mostly caused by viruses, and your body will clear them in about a week if you take good care of yourself. The viruses are passed in body fluids, by sneezing, coughing or wiping your nose and then touching something or someone. If you have a respiratory infection, try to keep your hands away from your face. Cover your coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands a lot. To avoid these viruses, do the same, and stay away from people who are sick. Don't share food, drinks, smokes or towels with a sick person.
Influenza, or flu, has finally made its way to New Mexico as well. Flu sufferers are really miserable with fever, body aches, cough and congestion. If you got a flu shot, you can be smug right about now. If you didn't, you might wish you had. It isn't too late, by the way. If you get a shot today, you might still avoid the flu this year. A flu shot costs $13 at SHAC. If you have student health insurance, it is free.
We have also been seeing patients with a stomach illness. This one involves vomiting and/or diarrhea and is rather unpleasant but only lasts a day or two. If you have this, give your stomach a rest. Don't eat or drink anything for an hour after you vomit, and then go very easy, focusing on liquids like ginger ale, broth and water. If you can't keep anything down, come on in and we can rehydrate you with an IV and/or give you some medicine to counteract the nausea. This germ, also a virus, is passed in the vomit and stool, so make sure to wash your hands after you go to the bathroom and after you clean up your vomit. To avoid this one, wash your hands before you eat anything, and stay away from anyone who has it. Don't share food, drink or towels.
Finally, on the menu this week is allergies. Yes, already. Due to the warm winter, juniper is already blooming, releasing that lovely yellow pollen that is such a bane for many of us here. Other plants are starting to pollinate as well. If you have been in Albuquerque two years or more, you might develop allergies. Symptoms are sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, cough and low energy. There are lots of over-the-counter allergy remedies in our pharmacy, which is on the second floor of SHAC.
Basic body care is very important for staying well. Get enough sleep, eat well and exercise regularly, and your chances of staying healthy go way up.
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Peggy Spencer, M.D., is a board-certified family physician. She has been a UNM Student Health physician for 17 years and a Daily Lobo contributing columnist for three years. She is co-author of the book 50 Ways to Leave Your 40s, released in March. Drop your questions in her box in the lobby of Student Health and Counseling, or e-mail her directly at Pspencer@unm.edu. All questions will be considered, and all questioners will remain anonymous. This column has general health information only and cannot replace a visit to a health provider.
