There are invisible forces creeping through our hallways that make our students sneeze, cough, and stay home from school; t hey choose to attack during the cold winter months.The se are the inevitable winter illnesses. Every October through February we see an increase in common colds, seasonal flu, and now the new outbreak of the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu. We at the FHS editorial board know that coming to school whilst being plagued by these conditions is downright horrible. However, there are a few things that you, the students and teachers, can do to stop the spread of diseases within our school. First of all, the big sickness being looked out for this season is the swine flu. Yes, the swine flu is something no one in their right mind would want to catch, but it is not the only bug floating around in the air here. It is much more common that somebody will catch the regular, seasonal flu, or the common cold. Don’t automatically assume that swine flu is the only thing you must watch out for. Now how do you protect yourself from catching the flu or the cold? Well the first tip is one we have been hearing since our childhood: cover your mouth. If you feel a sneeze or a cough coming, do it into your elbow, and not your hand, to help stop the spread of germs. If you do cough or sneeze into your hands, make sure to sanitize. Most teachers have a bottle in their rooms, although buying your own is suggested . Also, it is not wise to share drinks or food with anybody. Students, if your significant other is ill, hold off on the acts of affection. Lastly, and potentially most importantly, if a high fever or other severe problems are present, go to the doctor’s office immediately. If symptoms are extremely sever e , go straight to the hospital. It is much safer to go see somebody than stay at home and try to sweat it out. Good school attendance is a must for good grades, and being sick may get in the way. So this winter season, follow our tips and stay as healthy as possible.