By Ema Bojaxhi, Staff Writer
As winter is almost coming to an end, the flu is on the rise. Typically starting from fall to winter, this period is marked by the rapid spread of the virus, affecting millions of individuals worldwide.
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the Influenza virus. It typically begins suddenly and can cause a range of symptoms including fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and headache. The flu spreads through tiny droplets expelled when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, and these droplets can be received by others. The strain of the virus constantly changes, which is why flu vaccines are updated each year to provide the best protection against the circulating strains.
Many students have gotten sick this season. Senior Zeeshan Nazir conveys, “I was sick before break and it was the worst feeling possible; I think that people should be aware that this is a big issue worldwide, especially in places with low healthcare. I believe that we should protect ourselves because who knows what new diseases might come up.”
Freshman Wesley Ohm, a student who hasn’t gotten sick from the flu, states that “I have taken extra precautions including wearing a mask, washing my hands frequently, not sharing food, clothes, and more. Taking these extra precautions allow us to protect ourselves and other people, while also preventing the spread of the virus.”
Both statements from both students are, in fact, true. Many Americans and people worldwide are unable to afford proper healthcare to protect themselves from the flu. By taking extra precautions like Wesley stated, including washing hands frequently with soap, wearing masks, and not sharing possessions, a deadly virus like the flu can be somewhat prevented.