Respiratory illnesses spike across KU campus
Annika Gustafson | @annikag_tv
Student respiratory-related illnesses have increased across the University of Kansas campus since students returned from winter break, according to Watkins Health Services.
Since the start of the spring semester, students have reported symptoms such as coughing, congestion and sore throats becoming harder to avoid in classrooms, residence halls and other crowded campus spaces.
KU student Morgan McLean said she immediately felt the impact of the spread shortly after returning to campus.
“It’s honestly so frustrating because coming back here from winter break, I felt good. I was not sick, and within the first few days of being back at the dorms, I got sick,” McLean said.
Watkins Health Services officials say the rise in illness is largely linked to students traveling over winter break and then returning to campus, where close contact makes it easier for viruses to spread.
“The big challenge this time of year is that students have been all over the world and they bring back illnesses,” Watkins Medical Director Graig Nickel said. “When they congregate, we start to see the spread of those illnesses and more cases.”
Health officials also say colder winter temperatures contribute to the increase, as students spend more time indoors and in close proximity to one another.
Watkins Health Services encourages students to wash their hands regularly, stay home when sick and consider wearing masks in crowded areas to help reduce the spread of illness.
Some students say attending class while sick has become a common issue.
“Students will come into class and you can visibly tell that they are super sick,” McLean said. “They don’t want to skip class and miss out on the content, but then you’re putting yourself and others at risk of getting sick.”
Nickel emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical care when needed.
“If you feel like something isn’t right for you, then we encourage students to come in,” Nickel said.
Watkins Health Services says students experiencing symptoms can schedule appointments online or visit the clinic for care.
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