Day to day, sicknesses like Influenza, Covid-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and a plethora of others have been affecting the students of Heritage High School with tough yet fightable battles.
It comes as no surprise that with the winter season in session, with chilly temperatures and runny noses, nearly everyone in sight is being affected in some form. Yet, the causes of these symptoms aren’t commonly known.
The term “cold” has done nothing short of earning its title for a reason – viruses and bacteria flourish in cold and dry environments. Once the frost bitten air flows in and the wind chills pierce even the thickest of coats, it causes a break through immune systems, leading to a cold.
Other than the environmental factors that feed directly into catching a cold, things like mental and physical health play a major role in whether or not your body becomes a victim of any virus. Following the crisp winds typically comes a decrease in physical activity, irregular sleep patterns, and stress that leads to a weakened immune system.
“I take cough drops every once in a while. I prioritize my health always, and so if I have to stay home from school, I definitely will,” said Isela Olvera (12).
Needless to say, it is a factually important thing to put your health above certain routines put in place to maintain other things. It’s a given that school is for building teenage children into civilized adults with some strong knowledge to break into future education or jobs – yet to perform your best you need to feel your best.
It is crucial that students and teachers alike understand and know what they can do to prevent suffering from these aggravating sicknesses, which can be stopped in very simple ways. The number one, and most paramount caution that can be taken in steps of prevention is to practice proper hygiene.
Washing hands, applying hand sanitizer, being aware of who you’re around and making sure you are taking care of your physical body can make a massive difference in how this glacial season affects you and your peers.
Continually, keeping your health at its best also shows that you care for the ones around you, as we know that good health prevents the spread of any sicknesses and germs. Washing hands is monumentally effective being that our hands touch all the surfaces around us.
“We go probably a lot longer than we realize without washing our hands. Being a nurse we are always keeping the office clean, so we do find it incredibly important to prioritize washing hands,” said nurse Hannah Hubbard.
