FSU Hand, Foot and Mouth Outbreak Dissipates

After an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease, Florida State University entered a movement of disinfection and sanitation.  However, University health officials reported no new cases of the disease on campus after the initial dozen of students had been admitted to the health center.

Lesley Sacher, director of FSU Health and Wellness Center reported to the Tallahassee Democrat, “We’re seeing significant decreases”.  She additionally reported that circumstances in which may have led to the outbreak may very well point to the recent Hurricane Hermine.

Image via Weather.com

The response to the outbreak, while crucial, was slightly over-dramatized by multiple sources.  Hand, foot and mouth disease is common among babies and toddlers, but the virus is not life threatening.  It is, on the other hand, highly contagious.  The response Florida State provided was the response that the students, faculty, and staff needed in order to prevent this outbreak from becoming larger than it was.  With the fall semester already being a busy one and professors having to adjust to the modified schedules and syllabuses as a result of the hurricane, it is crucial for there to not be any greater delay in academic schedules.

Image via University Health Services

According to the Centers for Disease control, symptoms of the virus include sores, rashes, and blisters among mouth, hands, and feet, fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, and so on.  While many students on campus are currently sick with a cold that is natural to pick up when entering or returning to a different environment with 50,000 students that have come from all kinds of places, it is important to be able to differentiate a seasonal cold with this virus.

To those who have started the semester healthy and well, they should start thinking ahead about this upcoming flu season.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza (flu) activity typically occurs between October and May, however in the United States, it peaks between December and February.  The best way to protect yourself and those around you is by getting the annual flu vaccine.  It is important to acknowledge some modifications that the CDC outlines for the 2016-2017 flu season.

Image via UPMC My Health Matters

Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s news for upcoming influenza season:

• -Only injectable flu shots are recommended for this season
• -Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses
• -There will be new vaccines on the market
• -Recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergies have changed

For more information on the upcoming flu season, be sure to visit the following sources for more information or vaccination services:

• -Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• -University Health Services
  
• -CVS Vaccines
• -Walgreen’s Vaccines