The gastrointestinal virus going around seems to be easy to catch, but hard to beat. I’ve been lucky to avoid contamination thus far, but as my roommates can tell you, I’m currently super paranoid about getting hit by the McPlague.
The Wellness Center’s email to us said that “prognosis is excellent,” and we can expect to get better in 2-5 days. They suggest the following prevention methods:
- Wash hands often with soap and water, alcohol based hand sanitizers are also effective
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; germs are easily spread
- Don’t share food, drinks, or personal items
- Avoid close contact with sick people
I’m betting I’m not the only one who wants more information, so…to the Google!
Just so you know I’m condensing information the online sources hyperlinked here, here, and here. If you want to read the whole deal, I won’t stop you, but here’s the simple version
- Gastroenteritis sucks. Just read the descriptions of the symptoms. I feel nauseous just thinking about it.
- It can be contagious even after symptoms have disappeared.
- You can get super dehydrated extremely quickly, so keep taking in clear fluids if you can (but not fruit juices or milk). And if you can’t, that’s probably a sign that you should see a doctor.
- There aren’t really any treatment options besides riding it out.
- Avoid sick people (duh), but also, if you’re sick, don’t go out and spread your germs. Please. I’m begging you.
So basically…there’s nothing you can do.
If you fall ill, call the Wellness Center at 410-857-2243, or Campus Safety at 410-857-2202 if after hours.
There are two 24/7 Urgent Care centers in Westminster as well. Information is available at these websites:
Good luck to you healthy people out there, and to everyone who’s sick, feel better soon!
