By Coco Xia’24
Since the beginning of the new school year, there has been a mysterious virus going around the community, spreading to both the student and faculty bodies. Given that the flu season has arrived and that COVID still hasn’t completely died out, the sickness problem became more serious and complicated than expected.
COVID, flu, and the common cold are all contagious diseases, meaning that they can spread from one person to another through daily activities such as talking and physical contact. As a result, starting from September, a variety of illnesses has been spreading out with major symptoms being dry coughs, runny nose, and sore throat. With the overwhelming workload and consequential fatigue, our bodies are more susceptible to diseases as many students had to visit Health Services to get medicines and needed rest.
Moreover, cases of COVID-19 still haven't completely died out. Since the start of the school year, there have been a trickling number of students who got COVID and had to isolate themselves for 5 days either at home or in the Annex. It was the second time of getting COVID for many of those students, and many had tiredness and fatigue as their major symptoms accompanied by dry coughs, postnasal drip, and sore throat.
Due to all the sicknesses that have been spreading, it is completely normal to choose to wear a mask. Students’ decision to wear a mask is totally reasonable and up to the students themselves, for masks can effectively protect our bodies against a variety of contagious diseases including common cold, the flu, and of course, COVID-19. In addition, it is a good idea to get the COVID booster shot as well as the flu vaccine so that our bodies are better prepared for possible illnesses. And lastly, as the New England weather will get cold and harsh soon, it is recommended that students living outside the main building add layers when they go outside. With the new dorm waiting to be completed by November, hopefully there is a shorter walking distance from dormitories to classrooms every day.