Tips for Flu Prevention

Runny noses, fevers, and sore throats aren’t the most likely items to end up on Christmas lists this year.

To avoid the flu and its associated symptoms, it is necessary to take measures that are not often considered joyful or merry.

One of the most effective measures taken to prevent the virus is also one of the most painful: the flu shot.

“[The vaccination] is about 70 percent effective,” said infectious disease expert MaryAnn Tran, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Michigan State and medical director of infection prevention at Sparrow Hospital. “And it’s the best way to prevent the flu.”

Flu vaccination clinics are offered by MSU’s Olin Health center as well as local pharmacies, such as CVS, in an effort to make the process as convenient as possible for students.

In addition to the vaccination, good hygienic habits, especially proper hand washing, are important when it comes to flu prevention, as the easiest way to spread the virus is via contact, be it direct or indirect.

Other measures to avoid getting the flu include: getting enough sleep, hydrating often, and staying active, but taking it easy when the symptoms start to appear. 

What is the Influenza Virus?

 It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and it’s beginning to sound like a runny nose.

Scientifically known as seasonal influenza, the flu is a viral respiratory infection experienced by between five and 20 percent of Americans every year.

The influenza virus is spread through direct and indirect contact with infected individuals.

Infectious disease specialist MaryAnn Tran, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Michigan State University, said the flu is transmitted within a three to six foot range.

Tran also said there is a different strain of the virus every season, and its mutation rate is second likely to only HIV.

 Many major symptoms of the flu are similar to the common cold; however, complications that arise from the virus can be much more serious, ranging from bacterial infections to death.

Tran said infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with co-morbidities (such as heart disease) are among those who are most at risk for serious flu complications.

 However, she said for the most part, the college-age demographic is not at risk.

           

“A young, healthy person probably won’t [have many complications],” said Tran.

Popularity for MSU Hockey Program Grows

The  Red Wings may not be gracing the ice this year, but the Spartans are  making their presence known.

 The hockey program at Michigan State University has experienced an increase in ticket sales and attendance this year as interest continues to grow. 

  Before the  2012-13 season started, season ticket sales of 2,780 already surpassed last season's total of 2,396.

Initially, one might think this increase is caused by the NHL lockout, which is true in some cases. 

"Pretty much because there's no NHL, might as well watch some college," said MSU freshman Trevor Kubitskey.

However, a  more likely cause  is the promotion of the A-Team, the newly renamed student section, as well as dedicated, loyal fans.

"Our student section is a vital part of our program and will be the catalyst in helping us develop an incredible home ice advantage by bringing new energy to Munn Arena," said Head Coach Tom Anastos in a Sept. 26 interview. "They did a phenomenal job last season, and we expect to take another big step this year."

The Spartans  and the A-Team hope to bring energy to the next home series against Ohio State on Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at Munn Ice Arena.

Michigan State Hockey on Pace for Successful Season

The Michigan State University men's ice hockey team is shaping up to have a solid start for the 2012-13 season.

The Spartans have an overall record of 5-6-2, and a CCHA conference record of 3-4-1.

Three out of the Spartans five wins have been on home ice.

The Spartans' successful home record can likely be attributed to the high-energy student section at games.

"The crowd had a huge impact on the performance of our team,'' said head coach Tom Anastos in an interview following the Spartan's 7-2 victory over Michigan at home on Nov. 10.  "The players really appreciated that. Our guys were more relaxed and had more jump than we did on Friday [referring to the team's 5-1 loss Nov. 9 at Michigan] and I think the atmosphere made a huge difference."

The game drew a record crowd of 7, 225 to Munn Ice Arena.

"It reminded me of the old days,''  said Anastos in the same interview. "The uniforms [which were similar to the ones worn by the team in the 1980's], the atmosphere, the students, the energy, the rivalry. It was fun.''

Giants Win Game 3

The San Fransisco Giants beat the Detroit Tigers 2-0 last night to go up three games to none in the World Series. 

Detroit starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez initially struggled with control, but eventually regained composure, striking out eight batters in seven innings and allowing six hits.

 Ryan Vogelsong went five and two-thirds innings for the Giants, striking out three and allowing five hits.

Detroit bats were unable to show up at key times, most notably in the fifth inning with two outs, bases loaded, and slugger Miguel Cabrera at the plate.

The Giants were able to take advantage of early scoring opportunities.

In the second inning, Gregor Blanco tripled to right center, plating Hunter Pence. Brandon Crawford then singled to center, scoring Blanco.

Pence also went two for three in San Fransisco's victory.

The Giants became the first team to throw back-to-back World Series shutouts in nearly 50 years.

The Tigers have been shut out three times this post season, compared to only twice in 162 regular season games.

"We're not forcing anything, we're just not getting it done," said Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder to ESPN. 


A Giants win tonight would mean a World Series sweep and title.

World Series Game 3 Preview: Tigers vs. Giants

The Detroit Tigers are looking to turn their luck around and win a crucial game 3 of the 2012 Fall Classic tonight at 8:07 PM .

After two disappointing performances by Detroit, the San Fransisco Giants lead the series 2-0.


With home field advantage, the Tigers hope to ignite their bats tonight after struggling offensively in games 1 and 2, scoring just three runs to the Giants' ten.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland remains positive. 

 "I'm certainly not going to sit up here and rip my offense because last night I thought we had some pretty good swings," said Leyland in a  Game 2 post-game interview.

Anibal Sánchez will take the mound for the Tigers against San Fransisco's Ryan Vogelsong, a force for the Giants in this postseason.


The Giants have been hot ever since coming back from a 3-1 series deficit to win the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals.

 "Baseball is an unbelievable sport where you never know what's gonna happen next. And the playoffs is a great place to find that," said Giants reliever Sergio Romo in an interview with Yahoo Sports.

Regardless of tonight's outcome, the series will continue to Game 4 on Sunday night at 8:07 P.M.