The Greyhound Editorial: Loyola students should take threats of H1N1 a little more seriously; taking precautions will be worth it in the long run
Dan Keenan
Issue date: 9/8/09 Section: Opinion
While at the mention of the term "swine flu", students usually make a comedic, sarcastic remark, The Greyhound encourages Loyola students to take notice that the matter actually deserves a more serious precedence. Though it may seem that the chances for an outbreak on the Evergreen campus are unlikely, students should heed that a college living environment is the ideal condition under which this H1N1 virus can easily spread, with hundreds of people living in such close proximity.
Cases in Maryland have also reportedly reached over 750, several right here in Baltimore.
Thus, students should consider taking a more proactive approach on the matter and actually listen to suggestions by the Health Center and Center for Disease control, such as washing your hands more often and avoid spreading germs by not touching your eyes, nose and mouth. More importantly, one should reflect on the effects that frequent alcohol consumption can take on ones immune system. While getting the most out of ones weekend is certainly a priority for some, the Center for Disease control notes that constant intake of alcoholic beverages can weaken ones immune system and ability to fight off common ailments.
Students should also take into account the environment they are in when they drink. Avoid spreading germs by having water in your peer bong cups and drinking instead on the side out of your own can. Don't share drinks when you are out at your favorite establishment. Trading in a "Taco Tuesday" here and there for a good nights rest may be more beneficial in the long run. Though it is good to let loose here and there and these suggestions might seem patronizing, being bed ridden at home for a couple months and putting others health in danger is certainly the worse alternative in this situation.
Finally, The Greyhound applauds the proactive approach that the Loyola Health Center has taken in regards to this situation and we are impressed that students' health is at the top of the administrations concerns. We hope that further precautions won't be required, but if they are, Loyola will surely make the appropriate decisions.
Cases in Maryland have also reportedly reached over 750, several right here in Baltimore.
Thus, students should consider taking a more proactive approach on the matter and actually listen to suggestions by the Health Center and Center for Disease control, such as washing your hands more often and avoid spreading germs by not touching your eyes, nose and mouth. More importantly, one should reflect on the effects that frequent alcohol consumption can take on ones immune system. While getting the most out of ones weekend is certainly a priority for some, the Center for Disease control notes that constant intake of alcoholic beverages can weaken ones immune system and ability to fight off common ailments.
Students should also take into account the environment they are in when they drink. Avoid spreading germs by having water in your peer bong cups and drinking instead on the side out of your own can. Don't share drinks when you are out at your favorite establishment. Trading in a "Taco Tuesday" here and there for a good nights rest may be more beneficial in the long run. Though it is good to let loose here and there and these suggestions might seem patronizing, being bed ridden at home for a couple months and putting others health in danger is certainly the worse alternative in this situation.
Finally, The Greyhound applauds the proactive approach that the Loyola Health Center has taken in regards to this situation and we are impressed that students' health is at the top of the administrations concerns. We hope that further precautions won't be required, but if they are, Loyola will surely make the appropriate decisions.
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