Stock up on Sanitizer
With the new school year starting, viruses are spreading around our campus. Florida Gulf Coast’s (FGCU) Student Health Services has seen an influx in positive Covid, Flu, and Strep tests. The Center for Disease Control stated, “From what we know, COVID-19 spreads more easily than flu.” (cdc.gov) Additionally, the CDC warns similarities between Covid and Flu symptoms make it unidentifiable without diagnoses.
Some signs and symptoms to recognize include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/having chills (Not everyone with flu will have a fever.)
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (more frequent in children with flu, but can occur in any age with COVID-19)
- Change in or loss of taste or smell, although this is more frequent with COVID-19.
Strep Throat has recognizable signs and symptoms, but a doctor’s diagnosis provides tested results to patients. Some of the signs and symptoms for strep throat include throat pain, painful swallowing, swollen tonsils, red and white spots in the back of the mouth, fever, rash, headache, and nausea.
Some ways to protect yourself from getting sick include:
- Wash your hands often and for 20 seconds, with warm water.
- Utilize hand sanitizer when you are not able to wash your hands.
- Keep a safe distance between you and those who are showing symptoms.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, with your elbow.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Don’t share personal items. (ex: drinking glasses and/or eating utensils)
If you are experiencing symptoms, please make an appointment to visit FGCU’s Student Health Services next to Parking Garage 2 across from the South Village bridge.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338