With multiple students affected by the flu and recent concerns with the coronavirus, the Baldwin Wallace Health Center wants to help students stay healthy.

Starting in January, the coronavirus was a threat to international health. The Baldwin Wallace Health center encourages students and faculty to get the flu shot, offering available vaccinations and notes. As college students, the coronavirus is not so much a threat; however, it presents similar symptoms as the flu.

Lisa Weber, a registered nurse at the Baldwin Wallace Health Center, said last school year, over 40 students were treated for flu-like symptoms. Weber said that the best defense against combating the flu is to make sure you are taking care of your immune system properly.

Julie Dailey, a registered nurse at the Baldwin Wallace Health Center, recommends that students take precautions starting in the fall.

“Flu shots are offered starting in September. They do run out so, if you’re interested, Walgreens, and Giant Eagle offer walk-ins and it’s never too late to go get that done,” said Dailey.

Weber said many factors could help prevent catching the flu.

“The best defense against the flu is having a healthy immune system, getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, having a healthy diet, and exercising,” said Weber.

Even though the flu is a concern, Weber said most students usually exhibit cold-like symptoms, which tends to cause confusion and undue stress. As a college student, it is essential to know the difference between cold-like and flu-like symptoms, said Weber.

Weber said cold symptoms usually begin with a sore throat and runny nose along with a cough; with colds, symptoms typically don’t have a fever, and it lasts between five to ten days. Weber said with the flu, symptoms consist of high temperatures, sore throats, and body aches or fatigue with symptoms that last for about two to three weeks, said Weber.

Some other services that are offered include evaluation/treatment of illnesses and injuries, removal of sutures, certain lab tests, immunizations, allergy injections, health/wellness literature, referrals when indicted and loaning of medical equipment such as crutches, heating pads, and vaporizers.

Kari Hurst, a registered nurse at the Baldwin Wallace Health Center, said: “the best way to stop the spread is to wash your hands.”

Hurst said students should wash their hands for 20 seconds using soap and water, keep a small bottle of sanitizer on hand, and get their flu shot.

Hurst also said if you are sick, a few things to keep in mind are to use Ibuprofen or Tylenol for fevers and body aches. If you’re experiencing congestion, there are many decongestions on the market; make sure to match your symptoms appropriately to those listed on the box. This is true for cough syrup as well.

The Baldwin Wallace Health center is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Health Center is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

The doctor’s hours are Monday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday from 12 to 1:30 p.m., and on Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.