Staying Safe for Flu Season

With winter coming in fast, so does the infamous flu season. Illnesses can spread very quickly in Sparta High, mostly due to the many students moving through hallways and classes. In order to find out more about flu season, I asked Mrs. Pisano (more commonly known by her maiden name, Ms. Cayan), a teacher in Medical Sciences, some questions:

Mrs. Pisano began by outlining what the flu really is: "The Flu is an infectious condition that is caused by a virus. People who have been infected with the flu virus typically show symptoms including fever and body aches.

When asked why winter is known as “the flu season,” Pisano answered, “‘The flu season is just a period of time during the year in which the prevalence of flu cases increases. There are a couple of proposed explanations for why winter is flu season. One suggested reason is that human to human exposure increases because of colder temperatures.”

Pisano added, “Another proposed explanation is that during the colder/dry months, mucus that protects our lungs decreases, allowing for the virus to evade our immune system.”

Still, while the flu season reflects mostly on a singular virus, it is not the only virus to look out for this season, as Pisano warns to be aware of “the common cold, caused by the rhinovirus (usually).”

Don't feel that there isn't a way for you to stay free of these illnesses though. As Pisano lists, there are many things that you can do to avoid getting sick:

“ 1.) If you are not immunocompromised, get the flu vaccine.

2.) Wash your hands.

3.) Sleep!”

Not only does the flu take a toll on your body, but why the flu is really horrible, is the overwhelming amount of homework and assignments you will have to make up if you do get sick! Just remember this and it will keep you going and healthy!