Guess what’s back? The flu.

By: Juliyana Straley
Twitter: @jstraley7
Email: straleyj@findlay.edu

To start off, I would like to personally thank those of you who always cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm or a tissue. You have saved several people from long periods of completely unnecessary sickness. You have allowed us to keep up on our assignments, classes and imaginative social lives in tact. You have aided in the process of keeping other students healthy and happy. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
However, there are several people who feel the need to cough and sneeze incessantly in the open air of classrooms and work environments. According to the Smithsonian, over 26% of people don’t cover their coughs or sneezes at all.
It may be April, but the flu has not run its course yet. There are still hundreds of cases of the flu, and weeks later I am almost past my share of it. I cannot blame the student in Marketing who came to class and got me sick, as several students come to class sick. I understand the feeling of absolutely needing to go to class, but there will always be important lectures, tests, or assignments.
Please stay in bed.
Don’t come to class if you have a fever or a wicked cough unless you plan to wear a mask and bring disinfectant wipes to clean off your table. It’s simply not fair to spread your illness to other faculty and students. Your professors will understand. You can get notes from someone else or be able to go into office hours to get help. They don’t want to get sick either, right?
From personal experience, the flu shot alone does not prevent the horrible illness from creeping into your life. You’re not safe because you drink a glass of orange juice every morning or carry hand sanitizer in your purse. Please think of others the next time you are thinking of going to class sick.
Is it worth it?