The sickness. It has been thriving at Monmouth College this semester, devilishly attacking students just returning from their relaxing Christmas vacation. It seems to have spread to all corners of the campus, preying on innocent students whose only wish is to make it to all of their classes.

Alright, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but based on student accounts of the bacteria that has attacked Monmouth, most would rather be in class. Senior Ryan Gutierrez commented on the infection’s affect on the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity: “A bunch of the guys in the fraternity got sick at the time which was bad, but it could have been worse. It’s not like we had staph infection or even worse the flu and staph infection.”

However, reports are mixed on what exactly is ailing Monmouth students. Several students have chocked-up their illness to nothing more than an acute case of the flu.    

On the other hand, associate professor of sociology and registered nurse, Judi Kessler has described the near-epidemic sickness as more viral-like, saying that the symptoms include “uncomfortable muscle aches, sore throat, and respiratory symptoms.” She adds that the flu would be “much more serious and debilitating”; and that, as long as this virus does not turn into a bacterial infection, the best treatment calls for “rest, fluids, good nutrition and no alcohol.” Audra Sostarecz, assistant professor of chemistry, added that one of her students christened his head, throat, and stomach illness “the trifecta.”

Not only is this illness exasperating, but it appears to be insolent as well. It has reached beyond the world of students and has also begun to affect faculty. Professors Simon and Stacy Cordery have been suffering from walking pneumonia throughout the beginning of this semester. Stacy commented that it was “exhausting,” but what she gathered from the OSF staff is that “most Monmouth College students have had the flu.”

Although there are conflicting reports on the nature of the affliction, the affects have been the same. Attendance in classes has been suffering tremendously. Amy de Farias, assistant professor of history, stated that she is being “forced to reconsider my attendance policy,” adding, “The problem is that it is hard to know who is really sick and who is just taking time off to relax.” Associate professor of English Rob Hale is facing a similar problem. “I’ve had the worst attendance I’ve ever had at Monmouth College, and it is absolutely a result of the sickness. I worry about the students who have had to miss so much class and the extra challenge they’re going to have catching up on foundational material.”

For now, knock on wood, the sickness seems to be subsiding. However, living in such close proximity to one another makes a relapse possible. So, I now leave you with advice from various levels of authority and credibility on campus. If you are ill, remember Ph.D.-R.N. Judi Kessler’s previous suggestions for improved health. If you have yet to become ill, she offers the following advice: “The best prevention is frequent hand washing and a warm mist humidifier at night to keep the mucus membranes well hydrated and less susceptible to infection.”

Paige Halpin, Head Resident of Liedman Hall, who has been dealing with sick residents all semester, advises students to “E-mail your H.R.s about your illnesses. We don’t want to get sick, too.” And Ryan Gutierrez proposed the following advice: “I think if the cafeteria served Dayquil and Nyquil during this time of year, then we could alleviate the problem.”

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