Winter season brings disturbance in health: Dealing with illnesses

     As the winter weather is welcomed, students will need to prepare for the health-related factors that accompany the season. Those in the health suite work constantly, according to school nurse Joanne Dorsey, to assist those suffering from colds, sore throats, and more health problems brought on by the forecast.  

     This infection affects numerous students in the community. Dorsey shares that in a typical year, the nursing staff is “very busy in the health suite with students who have sore throat and cold symptoms. There were weeks when we would see 50-60 students per day.” 

      The school medic explains that a sore throat is actually “not usually caused by cold weather, although that can dry out the tissues if you breath in and out of your mouth. It is typically caused by a virus from a cold or the flu or a [bacterium].” She debunks the common conception by stating “The reason we associate winter weather with a sore throat or cold is because we are typically indoors with the doors and windows shut and therefore exposed to viruses and bacteria much more that summer when we have the windows open and spend more time outdoors.” 

     A cold, as stated by Dorsey, is “an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by a virus [or a bacterial infection].” The nurse describes the typical symptoms as including “a runny nose, sinus congestion, sore throat, cough, mild headache” with a possible fever. She recommends “nasal decongestants for congestion, rest and fluids” for an overall better feeling. Consuming hot foods or beverages, according to Cassidy is another home remedy. 

     Emily Cassidy, sophomore, states that during the winter season when she finds herself with frequent sore throats. When this occurs, Cassidy reports that she likes to “drink a lot of tea with honey in it and take time to rest [her] voice.” She acknowledges that one should “avoid a lot of dairy because its contents can create excess phlegm, which can further irritate your throat.” 

     Dorsey explains that a virus “has to run its course- antibiotics don’t help.” To accommodate for this fact, one must, according to Dorsey, “treat a virus by treating the symptoms.” The nurse states this can include taking a cough drop, gargling with salt water, drinking warm liquids, or taking an over-the-counter drug for pain. 

     Dry and skin are common symptoms of winter weather. The medic explains that this is due to “the lack of moisture in the air, combined with dry heat in most buildings and homes.” Cassidy recommends “either Aquaphor or the Eos eggs” to provide relief for her cracked lips.  

     Dorsey emphasizes the importance of rehydrating the dry areas by stating she would “recommend lotion for your face and hands and a lip balm, such as Chapstick to add moisture back to the lips.” The sophomore recommends “using a hydrating cleanser” and following up with a moisturizer to allow the skin to heal. It is important, according to Cassidy, to “stay away from products that contain a lot of witch hazel or alcohol because they tend to dry and damage the skin’s natural barrier” especially during the wintertime when the air lacks moisture.  

      The cause of colds and flu are, as reported by Dorsey, “viruses[,] which are spread through respiratory droplets through coughing[,] sneezing[,] or by touching an infected surface and putting your hands near your nose, eyes[,] or mouth.” This means that to stay healthy, one must, according to the nurse, practice “vigilant handwashing, covering a cough and sneeze, and wearing a mask to cover your nose and mouth.”