How to stay healthy during cold and flu season
By Jay Carroll Staff Writer Even though it has been unseasonably warm in Texas this winter, it is still very easy to catch a cold or even the Flu. With the number of people in this school, almost everything has been touched over 100 times. Whether it’s computers, door handles, sinks or anything else, the easiest way to prevent illness is to do what they teach you in pre-school and WASH YOUR HANDS. I know it may seem like a pain. You are in a rush to get to class so you fly out of the restroom without washing your hands. You will touch things that other people will touch, and there you go, now…
Student exemptions threatened by a hard flu season
Ashley Attanucci Web Manager Video by Austin Evans Every winter, the United States is hit with the infamous flu season; according to a survey taken by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, this year’s flu season has been one of the worst yet, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree. This month, Coppell High School is especially affected by the new strain of the flu that pulls students from classes and plants them in bed for the week. But for dedicated students, the flu proves a worry in more ways than one: while they must fight the threat of influenza, they simultaneously fight the threat of losing final exam exemptions. “I hate taking final exams,”…
Flu season brings with it extra precautions
Ashley Attanucci Web Manager Flu season peaks in American every year about the same time, February. And though each year brings new and different strains of the flu -as we saw last year with the infamous swine flu- this year proves to be an especially important year to watch for influenza. The flu has recently hit CHS hard as the month of January came to a close, leaving students and teachers bed-ridden for the rest of their week. So while the 6-day snow break allowed for the school-wide epidemic to simmer down, students and families should still take the neccessary precautions to avoid this year’s flu and avoid chances of students catching it at school…
The truth about swine flu: Mythbusters edition
By Ellen Cameron Staff Writer High school may be a Petri dish, but this year, Coppell High School has become a breeding ground for not only diseases, but for rumors about diseases as well. Last May, swine flu was treated like a biochemical weapon of massed destruction, and many schools shut down. For about two weeks, the nation was in complete panic mode. With the start of the new school year, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of swine flu cases as students are frequently in close contact once again. In many cases, rumors add to the panic more than anything. To keep you informed about the virus, The Sidekick brings you a special…
Tips for preventing the flu
by Caitlin Conner Staff Writer Flu season is in full swing and many students are feeling its effects. These simple steps can help students avoid the flu and stay in school. 1.Most importantly, wash your hands. Hum “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or another short tune to ensure that you have washed your hands long enough. Hand sanitizer is an effective way to kill germs if you cannot access a bathroom to wash your hands. Clorox wipes are also a good way to disinfect things you often touch in your home and your car. 2.Drink lots of water to help flush out your system. Drinking orange juice once a day can also help boost your immune…
Fall brings flu season to CHS
Rebecca Neumann Staff Writer I love fall. It means falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween and good football. But with all the good it brings, there is a dark side to these mostly wonderful months: flu season. I’m sure you’ve noticed. There is a least one person gone in every one of my classes. It’s enough to make you want to chronically wash your hands. I myself have a usually strong immune system, but I am concerned. It’s impossible to keep up with make-up work after missing school for a few days, much less a week if you catch the swine flu. I would like to urge all of you to please take some…