*Cough* *Sneeze* It’s that time of the year again. EdBoard would like to take a moment to warn students of the flu.Living in the dorms or greek halls, attending large classes andweekend socializing increases the likelihood of students catchingthis illness.

Students have weaker immune systems due to the incrediblestresses they’re put under in college. Ten page papers,midterms and having to put up with your roommate all tend to reducethe body’s ability to cope with illness.

This year it is especially important to watch out for the flu,as the health center cannot offer vaccinations due to the nationalshortage. Apparently it is more important for young children (whostill have their parents to take care of them) and old folks (whohave registered nurses to take care of them) to receive the vaccinethan thousands of students, on their own for the first time, packedinto college campuses. However, there are still ways to avoidcatching the flu.

The health center advises the obvious:

• Wash your hands often.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

If you think you may be coming down with something, visit thehealth center. It’s free for any student taking more than 12credit hours.

You know you might have the flu if you have:

• Fever

• Dry cough

• Runny nose

• Muscle aches

• Chills

In short, pay attention to your body. Influenza can be treatedif it is detected early.

If you do have the flu or just want to help your immune system,drink plenty of liquids, get lots of rest and avoid drinkingalcohol or using tobacco.

Those last two are probably the most difficult for stereotypicalSMU students, especially on Thursday and Friday nights. Butremember, if you’re sick, late-night partying will only makethings worse.

There are no medications for curing the flu, however there areprescription and over-the-counter medications that can relieve flusymptoms. Also, consider carefully whether you should go to class.Send your professor an e-mail, they should understand thatyou’re ill. Plus, they don’t want the entire classgetting sick as well.

Ed Board hopes you will remain healthy throughout the comingmonths.