Five Confirmed Cases of the Flu on Tarleton’s Campus
By K’Leigh Bedingfield –
According to Tarleton State University’s Health Center, five cases of the flu virus have been confirmed on the Stephenville campus. Two of the five cases have been confirmed just this week.
The health center has administered 13 flu tests and many flu shots this season. Lisa Riley, registered nurse at the health center said, “Many people have been coming in for flu shots, and we are continuing to give them until we run out of supplies.”
Bridgette Bednarz, nurse practitioner and director of the health center, explained about the symptoms of the virus.
“There are differences in symptoms when it comes to the common cold and the flu virus. Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, severe aches and pains, fatigue that could last up to three weeks, stuffy nose, sore throat, severe chest discomfort and cough.
“It’s rare to run a fever with the cold,” Bednarz added.
Tarleton student and yoga instructor, Breezey Clark, has been taking her own precautions when it comes to the flu virus.
“As the flu season continues to run rampant throughout the Stephenville area, I have become even more cautious about my own health and well-being. As an instructor, I am constantly encountering different people, and as a preventative measure I have increased my water intake, taken extra vitamin C, and made sure that I get plenty of sleep each night.”
Increasing water intake, taking vitamin C, and getting plenty of rest are just a couple of the precautions that can be taken to fend off the virus.
“One of the most important ways to prevent the virus is by washing your hands regularly. You should also drink plenty of fluids, get your flu shots, eat healthy foods, use hand sanitizer, no sharing of food or drink and also keeping your hands away from your mouth and eyes,” Bednarz said.
The flu is a virus that could lead to hospitalization or even death. Taking small, preventative measures can help keep the virus away.
If there is a possibility that you might have the flu, there are places in the Stephenville area where you can take a flu test and get the flu shot. The Stephenville Medical and Surgical Clinic will hold a flu shot clinic this Thursday from noon until 7 p.m. at the Community Health Clinic. Tarleton’s Health Center is also administering flu tests and flu shots in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center. The cost of the flu shot is $20.00.
