Written By: Samantha Burgess
Staff Writer
Lately, you may have noticed students with a cough or runny nose and done your best to avoid them. Cold and flu season is in full swing and it has gotten the best of several Bryan students and many across the state of Tennessee.
According to WRCB TV, there were many school closings in the past few weeks due to illness. Rhea County schools alone had 789 absent students due to sickness on Feb. 3 and were closed due to that.
Other school closings for illness included Knox, Hamilton, Cleveland, Bradley, and Marion County. A map from the Center of Disease Control revealed Tennessee as one of the hardest hit states with influenza related illness.
Bryan was fortunate not to close due to illness, but there were many students who did get sick.
Senior Communication major Rachel Flores has been sick with a cold. She feels this is the worst cold and flu season she’s seen at Bryan.
“A lot of people have been sick including me,” said Flores. “When I’m sick, I get a lot of rest and fluids. Most people have a hard time getting better because they don’t stay hydrated.”
Sophomore Communication major Abby Webb recently had bronchitis. “I recommend drinking a lot of water and getting plenty of rest,” said Webb. She also said to visit a doctor if you believe it’s the flu or your cold has lasted a while.
Freshman English major Everett Kirkman recently had a sinus infection. He admits that he was taking vitamins to get rid of his sickness for a week. He finally decided to go to the polyclinic for treatment and began to feel better a few days later.
“Definitely take Vitamin C and don’t hesitate to visit the polyclinic if you’re getting sick.”
Bryan’s polyclinic is a great place to visit if you’re feeling under the weather. The medical staff is available for basic health services.
You can stop by the polyclinic on the bottom floor of Rankin or make an appointment in advance online or by calling (423)775-7150.
To help prevent illness this winter season, here’s some helpful tips: drink plenty of water and eat healthy, reduce stress, exercise, get a good night of sleep and always wash your hands.
Bio
Samantha Burgess is a Freshman majoring in Communication with an emphasis in Digital Media. Samantha is actively involved in PCI. She writes Triangle articles on a variety of topics including campus life and current events. When she’s not doing homework, Samantha can often be found curled up with a good book, writing, listening to music, or watching TV.
