As students return to campus for the fall semester, many are already dealing with back-to-school sickness. Colds, coughs and sore throats are spreading quickly at colleges and universities across the region, including Fanshawe College in London, Ont., where packed lecture halls and shared living spaces are making it easier for viruses to travel.
“It’s been really hard, it’s been spreading a lot recently, and I feel like commuting back and forth, it makes it even more difficult” one student said.
Another student added. “School alone is pretty stressful, when you’re sick and having to miss class, it just adds more stress.” Others say “it’s so easy for the cold to spread specially in dorms.”
Health officials say the seasonal surge in respiratory illness is expected but still concerning.
“Fall and winter are typically when we see a rise in respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Angela Ma, a public health physician with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Our main concern is preventing severe outcomes like hospitalizations and deaths.”
She says the health unit works closely with local hospitals and community partners each season to promote illness prevention and vaccination.
“In respiratory season, the viruses that we prepare for and we see most commonly would be COVID-19, influenza, and RSV,” said Dr. Ma. She emphasized that both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are “highly recommended” for students, and will be available at local pharmacies once released.
Fanshawe students
For students, that means hand sanitizer, tissues, and cold medicine are back in high demand along with good habits like rest, hydration, and staying home when sick.
“I’m trying to take better care of myself this year,” a student said. “But when everyone around you is coughing, it’s hard not to catch something.”
As colder weather approaches, health experts are urging students to stay informed and take precautions even if it feels like just another fall cold.
