Campus Illnesses on the Rise

As the fall semester commences, students are feeling the not-so-welcome return of sickness. Coughs, colds, and sore throats are rapidly circulating across campuses, with institutions like Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, facing packed lecture halls and shared dorms that facilitate the spread of these pesky viruses.

Students Share Their Struggles

"It's really tough right now," shared one student. "Commuting back and forth makes it even harder to avoid getting sick." Another echoed these sentiments, stating, "With all the stresses of school, being sick and missing classes just adds to the pressure." Many students are finding dorm life particularly challenging, noting that cold viruses spread like wildfire in close living quarters.

Health Officials Sound the Alarm

Health officials confirm that this spike in respiratory illnesses is typical for the fall and winter seasons, though still a cause for concern. Dr. Angela Ma, a public health physician with the Middlesex-London Health Unit, cautions against the potential for severe outcomes from these illnesses. “Our main focus is to prevent serious complications such as hospitalizations or fatalities,” she warned.

Vaccination and Prevention Measures

Dr. Ma highlighted the importance of vaccinations and shared that the health unit collaborates with hospitals and community organizations every season to emphasize illness prevention strategies. "We mainly prepare for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV during respiratory season," she explained. She strongly recommends students get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which will soon be available at local pharmacies.

Back to the Basics: Health Tips for Students

As coughs and colds make their presence known, hand sanitizer, tissues, and cold medications are once again flying off the shelves. Students are reminded to embrace healthy habits—resting, staying hydrated, and, of course, remaining indoors if feeling unwell.

A determined student stated, "I'm trying to take better care of myself this year. But it's hard not to catch something when everyone around you is coughing." It’s clear that while classes may be back in session, the fight against fall illnesses is just getting started.