College Station Prepares for Flu Season and Football Excitement
Football Fever Hits Campus
As the vibrant colors of fall settle over College Station, a palpable excitement fills the air. The Texas A&M football team is making waves this season, currently holding a stellar No. 10 ranking. This remarkable achievement is largely credited to the unforgettable presence of the 12th Man and the home field advantage that comes with Kyle Field.
“Everything that they do for our program makes a huge impact,” said a team spokesperson, emphasizing how the electric atmosphere during games provides a significant boost to the players. The energy from fellow Aggie fans has created a sense of unity and motivation that extends beyond the field.
Dance the Night Away
Amidst the football frenzy, the Aggie Westies, a popular social organization, are bringing joy to campus life. Members enjoy dancing and socializing in a friendly, judgment-free environment, adding to the rich tapestry of community spirit at Texas A&M. They’re seen gracefully mingling at various socials and events, promoting a vibrant just-for-fun atmosphere.
Time to Talk Traffic
Of course, let’s not forget about the College Station traffic. Anyone who’s navigated the area knows rush hour can feel like a real challenge. The bus system is great, but when it’s packed with students, patience becomes a virtue!
Flu Season is Here
As temperatures dip, students aren’t just battling traffic; they’re also facing the onset of flu season. Texas A&M’s University Health Services is jumping into action, ramping up awareness and vaccination efforts to help keep everyone healthy. Dr. Gayle Ponder, chief of medical staff at the A.P. Beutel Health Center, shared, “Every year around this time, we see a rise in respiratory illnesses like the common cold and some cases of the flu.”
With the close contact that comes from dormitory life and large lecture halls, the spread of germs is almost inevitable. As health officials report an uptick in students seeking help, the symptoms of persistent coughs, congestion, and fatigue are taking their toll on many as they try to balance academics with health.
Taking Action Against Sickness
To combat this upheaval, health officials have prioritized the flu shot as one of the best defenses. In fact, they are offering vaccinations for free to ensure cost is not a barrier for students. “The flu shot is crucial in a community setting like ours,” Dr. Ponder emphasized.
Trying to help students stay informed, posters and information booths across campus encourage habits like regular handwashing and staying home if unwell. However, Dr. Ponder acknowledged that fully containing the spread remains a challenge. “In such a social environment, it’s difficult to eliminate all risks, but every small step helps,” she added.
Student Experiences
Health senior Sarah Ybarra remarked, “You hear coughing in every class. It’s tough to stay on top of everything when you feel worn out.” It’s clear that respiratory illnesses are making their mark on campus life this fall.
In response to the influx of illnesses, the university has also taken steps towards flexibility for students missing classes. Professors are encouraged to offer online resources, ensuring that if a student needs to take time off to recover, they don’t fall too far behind.
Looking Ahead
As Texas A&M navigates through football season and flu season, health officials remain hopeful. “We might not be able to stop every illness, but together, we can slow the spread and keep our campus as healthy as possible through the winter months,” Dr. Ponder expressed.
While the road ahead may have its bumps, the teamwork and community spirit at Texas A&M are sure to shine bright. So whether you’re cheering for the team or taking care of your health, it’s all hands on deck in College Station this fall!
