The Spiders that Come in From the Cold
It's Fall and that means that the weather is going to get colder. It also means that most living things are going to be looking for a nice warm place to go and that includes spiders. Normally, spiders avoid humans and humans definitely avoid spiders but in the close confines of a Residence Hall room, sometimes the twain will meet. This meeting of spider and college student can result in a spider bite.
The most common spider in Ohio is the yellow sac spider. These spiders typically will not bite unless they feel threatened or are provoked. Sac spiders are nocturnal hunters so the vast majority of bites occur at night. Sac spider venom is cytotoxic which means that the venom will cause the skin at the site of the bite to die. The symptoms of a sac spider bite are as follows:
- A brief burning sensation and slight swelling
Usually the reaction to the bite of a sac spider is mild and no more severe than a bee sting. As with bee venom, some individuals can have a more severe reaction than others. These reactions can include:
First Aid
First of all, remain calm. After all, this is just a teeny spider. Use either hydrogen peroxide or soap and water to clean the site of the bite. Then apply antibiotic ointment. Apply an ice pack directly to the bite area to keep down swelling and pain. Call the Health Center for an appointment if the site becomes very painful, grows larger, or if you begin to experience any of the symptoms listed above.
Control Measures
There are some things you can do to make your room less hospitable to sac spiders. Clean your room often, making sure you vacuum in corners and under your bed. Wash your sheets at least once a week. Move your bed away from the wall if possible. Ask your RA ( and your roommate) if it is permissible to use an insecticide. If so, spray around the corners of the room and anywhere you think a little critter might want to hide. Make sure that your room is well-ventilated, we're trying to get rid of the spiders here, not the students.
If you think you have been bitten by a spider or any other insect and the bite is getting worse, please call the Health Center at 236-6114 for an appointment.
Helpful Hints for Stressful Times
Regular Moderate Exercise
Do some form of regular exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week. Walking is an excellent form of moderate exercise and does not require any special equipment. You can do this daily. Do not exercise late in the evening or you will have difficulty sleeping.
Drink Fluids
Be sure to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluids a day. Stay away from coffee, tea, colas, and alcohol. Drink water, fruit juices, and other drinks low in caffeine and low in sugar.
Eat Regularly
Eat something from all major food groups in every 24-hour period. Stay away from simple sugars such as candy, cakes, pies, etc. It is better to eat something every 2 hours than to eat three meals a day. For example: 8 a.m. - cereal with milk and a glass of juice, 10 a.m. -banana, 12 noon-sandwich & glass of milk, 2 p.m.- apple, 4 p.m.- dry roasted peanuts, 6 p.m.- dinner with salad & veggies, 8 p.m.- cheese and crackers.
Relaxation Exercises
Do some form of relaxation exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week. There are a number of differernt exercises you can try: deep breathing, progressive relaxation, imagery, etc. The thing that is important is that you do something on a regular basis!
Talk to Someone
It is important that you express your feelings in a safe and healthy manner. Find someone you trust who will respect your privacy and will keep your feelings confidential. This could be your friend, parent, clergy, counselor, or health professional. Try to meet with them on a regular basis. Once or twice a week should be sufficient. Limit these visits to 30-60 minutes. Talking longer than that tends to turn into a gripe session and that is not helpful. If you feel you need professional help contact the CAPS program at 546-3322. Select Option 1.
Here are some other things you can do:
- Maintain your schedule and go to classes
- Maintain your social life
- Eat regular meals and keep up your fluid intake
COLD | Virus | Starts slowly | Last 7 –10 days | Fever below 100.5 F
Sneezing
Runny/Stuffy Nose
Headache
Sore throat
Cough |
INFLUENZA
| Virus | Starts abruptly | Last 1 –2 days with lingering cough | Fever 100.5 F
Sneezing
Runny/Stuffy nose
Headache
Sore throat
Dry cough
Weakness
Body aches |
ANTIBIOTICS WILL NOT HELP CURE THESE VIRAL INFECTIONS. SELF-CARE OF COLD & FLU SYMPTOMS:
Fever – Acetaminophen (Tylenol), tepid showers, increase fluids
Nasal Congestion – Decongestant, steam shower, room humidifier
Headache – Acetaminophen
Sore Throat – Acetaminophen, suck hard candy or ice chips, gargle with a solution of warm water and salt
Cough – cough syrup, suck hard candy, increase fluids
Wash hands frequently. Use paper tissue and throw them away. Rest. Read over-the-counter (OTC) medication labels carefully and follow directions.