Spring is here! But along with flowers and warm weather comes stress and sickness. 

Many RAHS students are coming down with colds and other illnesses. The sniffling and sneezing could be brought on by seasonal allergies and the added stress of third trimester.

Junior Hayley Lande recently recovered from a cold, yet was hesitant to stay home from school. Lande stated that she felt, “nervous about being behind in my classes.” 

This fear of missing school, especially at the end of the trimester, leads students to keep coming to their classes, getting others sick and spreading the virus around. And once it’s around, it’s miserable. Lande said these illnesses, whatever they may be, “seem to be hitting most people pretty hard.”

Kids end up coughing and congested, and are subjected to using scratchy toilet paper from the bathrooms, as some classrooms don’t have tissues. In regards to Kleenex supply in classrooms, senior Emilia Stave has noticed that “some don’t have any.” 

Stress and burnout are common this time of the year, and the effects of stress can be extreme. According to the National Institutes of Health, stress is a common factor in 75-90% of diseases. In addition, Healthline states that around 60-80% of doctor’s office visits are stress-related. 

Stave mentioned that she is more stressed during this time of year. “I can’t really take care of myself the same because I have to stay locked in for the end of the year,” she said. 

It is important to remain cautious and take care of your well being amid AP exams, finals, and graduation. 

So wash your hands, stay hydrated, and get that Vitamin C!