I’m not going to lie — when I first heard about “the Stevens Plague,” I was pretty skeptical. Sure, people get colds around the change in season, but how bad could it actually be? Well, after just having come from a chemistry lab midterm where over half the class was sniffing and coughing throughout the exam, I’ve decided that the Plague is, in fact, for real.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the concept, basically the Stevens Plague is a mysterious illness that spreads throughout campus at the start of every year. It’s most likely caused by the new incoming student population, and the new stresses and eating habits weaken people’s immune systems.
If you, like myself, have been struck by only the minor symptoms of this illness (cough, congestion, maybe a headache), then consider yourself lucky. I know many friends who have been rendered completely incapacitated with pounding migraines and complete exhaustion. The Stevens Plague takes many forms, ranging from a mild inconvenience to being downright awful. So during these dangerous times, it’s important to protect yourself against the possible spread of germs.
If you know someone who has caught the Stevens Plague, you need to stay away. Not all the time, obviously, but definitely don’t get too close. Although it may sound mean, it’s crucial to make sure that you’re not aiding in the spread of unwanted germs. If you do hang out with those people, be extra careful around meal time. Hand sanitizer is also a must. If you don’t have any, I know the Entertainment Committee has been giving out sample sizes at their events, so keep an eye out for those.
Oh, and if you do have the Stevens Plague, please cough in your elbow! I don’t know when this stopped being a part of common courtesy, but the amount of people I’ve seen coughing out in the open is really quite scary. It’s been proven that droplets from coughing can be spread as far as six meters and stay in the air for as long as 10 minutes, so please keep that in mind.
Honestly, the best way to prevent the spread of the Stevens Plague is to remain smart and courteous. Especially if you’re using a communal bathroom, it’s so easy to spread germs and get your entire floor sick. Be sure that you wash your hands consistently and use hand sanitizer before every meal. If you have your own bathroom in a dorm or an apartment, Lysol is your best friend. Don’t be lazy when it comes to cleaning or it’ll definitely catch up to you.
It’s good to think on the bright side, though. With the return of the Stevens Plague comes the reminder that fall is finally here, and that means Thanksgiving and winter break are just around the corner. So stay healthy, study hard, and keep reminding yourself that the semester is half over and it’ll be December before you know it!
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