Vandals should focus on staying healthy, instead of panicking about Ebola
Recently, the top story on practically all network news stations is the so-called “epidemic” of Ebola in the United States. People are panicked about Ebola across America, including some at the University of Idaho.
While Ebola is a terrifying virus, science and statistics show the U.S. is not at as high of a risk for an epidemic as countries with less developed medical practices and poor containment strategies. Meanwhile, the flu virus and other enteroviruses are spreading quickly in the U.S., hospitalizing many and killing several.
Many UI students are sick with the flu. One student has contracted meningitis and two have been diagnosed with mumps, and it’s not even November. All of these illnesses should be of greater concern for people in this area than Ebola.
College students are at a higher risk of catching communicable diseases like the flu and meningitis than any other group because they live and interact in such close quarters. If a single student gets sick, the students who live near them, share classes or simply run their hand down a banister after them risk getting sick as well, and it can quickly turn into a widespread illness.
Last week, with the double whammy of Homecoming and midterms, risks of infection heightened further. Students were more occupied with celebrations and grade-making exams than their health. Sleep, eating well and staying healthy were put on the back burner, while stress took over many students’ lives. Unfortunately, that negligence has repercussions for everyone, not just one person.
Students should be aware of the illnesses they are actually at risk for and take precautions to avoid them. In addition to the standard hygiene recommendations like frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes, UI offers several ways for students to stay healthy. Student Health Services, temporarily located downtown at Moscow Family Medicine, is currently offering flu shots and can provide vaccines a student may be missing.
For those who didn’t get a meningitis vaccination when they were free earlier this semester, it’s not too late. Though no longer free, it’s still possible and recommended to get vaccinated against the deadly virus.
Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to prevent widespread infection, though many people argue against them. These so called “anti-vaccers” have denied important vaccinations for themselves and their children for years now. As a result, some diseases and viruses are making a comeback.
Mumps, for example, dropped to less than 1,000 cases per year in the U.S. since the vaccine was licensed in 1967 — yet there have been two cases just this year on the UI campus. Whether it’s for religious purposes, the belief vaccinations can be harmful or simply not staying up to date on recommended vaccines, denying the opportunity or neglecting to get vaccinated isn’t doing anyone any favors.
Regardless of any opposition to vaccinations or aversion to needles, staying healthy needs to be a priority for everyone. So stop fearing Ebola, wash your hands, eat healthy foods, get vaccinated and get enough sleep. Your body and your friends will thank you.
–EB