Prevention is key to avoid disease

Getting sick is the last thing on most students’ minds as they move into their new dorms for the year.

But the close proximity students have with one another while living in communal residences inevitably spreads diseases, said Susan Quillan, director of clinical services at the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center.

However, there are preventive measures students can take to minimize the risk of getting sick.

The five most common diseases students face while living in communal housing are described below, along with prevention strategies and treatment options. While some illnesses have simple remedies, students should always consult a health professional if symptoms worsen.

Cold

The cold is one of the most common and contagious diseases students encounter when living in communal areas, said Peter Katona, professor of medicine at UCLA. Cold symptoms manifest themselves from the neck up, such as sneezing, runny nose, cough or sore throat.

Cold viruses can travel through air via microscopic water droplets when people sneeze or cough. The illness is best treated by staying hydrated and should ultimately clear up in several days.

Flu

The flu is very contagious and best prevented by vaccinations, which are available at the Ashe Center, Quillan said. In addition to cold symptoms, flu symptoms include body aches and fever.

It is contracted the same way as the cold, since both are respiratory diseases, Quillan said.

While students cannot do much to treat the flu, they should drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages, Katona said.

Skin infection

Skin infections can spread easily through skin-to-skin contact.

Types of skin infections include sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, but also cold sores, meningitis and fungal infections, like athlete’s foot, which are usually chronic diseases that last longer than general skin infections. Skin infections can look red, painful and scaly.

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent skin infections, measures, such as using a condom when engaging in sexual activity to reduce the chances of a sexually transmitted illness, or washing one’s hands can be effective. Treatment can include over-the-counter creams or pills as recommended by a doctor.

Stomach virus

A stomach virus is a gastrointestinal disease likely spread by sharing tableware or preparing food without properly washing one’s hands.

Unlike cold viruses, stomach viruses are contracted through ingestion. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. One of the best treatment options is to remain hydrated.

Pinkeye

Pinkeye is an extremely contagious infection which leaves one or both eyes itchy, red and irritated.

Pinkeye can last up to several days and is easily transmitted when people rub their infected eyes and move from room to room, Quillan said. She added that while eye drops are available, the condition will generally get better in several days without treatment.

However, if students have trouble seeing through the affected eye, or if there is yellow discharge, they should contact a health professional.