AROUND HIGHER EDUCATION: NU sees jump in colds, flus

The Daily Northwestern EVANSTON, Ill. (U-WIRE) -- Winter has arrived in full force at Northwestern, and it's brought more than just cold and snow. The storms have also ushered in a busy season for Searle Student Health Center, said Mark Gardner, director of student health. After a mild fall, Searle has been busy since last Monday, when students began returning from winter break, Gardner said. Many students brought colds and the flu back to school with them. More cold and flu cases are typical of winters at Northwestern, because students stay inside more, Gardner said. This encourages the spread of germs. But exhaustion and stress cause illness regardless of weather, some students said. "I get sick once a quarter, about a third of the way through," said Weinberg sophomore Eli Kay-Oliphant. "It's just a matter of beating my body until it can't take anymore." But Weinberg freshman Anne Wilkinson said cold weather and travel probably caused her sniffles. "You're just cooped up all the time," she said. "My roommate's sick now too." Searle offers flu shots for $5, and doctors said respiratory infections can be avoided by using humidifiers, keeping hands clean and covering coughs. Wilkinson said she hasn't gone to Searle for her cold because the lines are too long, but she has obtained medicine from her health aide. "I'm pumped up on meds," she said. "Enough to get me through class." Another winter side effect, increased appetite, means Marriott Food Service will go through more food, especially soup and hot chocolate, Director Bob Bobesink said.