The amount of war coverage the American press is allowed to report on has changed with each war.

During World War II, press restrictions were tightened to the point where the first pictures of dead American troops were not published until 1943. Things changed during the Vietnam conflict as press access to raw information reached new heights. The Persian Gulf War marked yet another change when press content was scrutinized by military censors.

And now, with the nation engaged in the war on terrorism, journalists may have to come to grips with the question of censorship, both by military leaders and lawmakers and by themselves.

"What I am seeing is journalists imposing self-censorship on themselves, and in some ways, that's a good thing," said Dr. Brian Thornton, an NIU associate professor of communication. "Journalists sometimes get too aggressive and too cocksure of themselves, saying ‘I know this!'"

He added that the way the media reports on the current situation could change under different circumstances.

"In Japan, during WWII, we knew they had a capital city and we knew where they were at," Thornton said. "Now, the enemy is everywhere. It's going to be interesting to see what the press can cover."

Though Thornton, for the most part, is happy with the restraint shown by the media thus far in their coverage of military actions, he expressed concern at the amount of self-censorship being implemented by various newspapers.

"They say that truth is the first casualty of war, but now it feels like the First Amendment is the first casualty," Thornton said, referring to columnists Dan Guthrie, of the Daily Courier in Grant's Pass, Ore., and Tom Gutting, of the Texas City Sun, in Texas City, Texas. Both were dismissed from their papers for writing columns that were openly critical of President George W. Bush.

"It is up to them [military leaders and lawmakers] to keep whatever is classified classified," said Brian Adams, WDBK 94.9 FM's news director, adding that it's also up to journalists who might accidentally stumble upon something that might threaten the lives of civilians and the military to use caution.

"There's an old saying from World War II: ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships,'" Adams said.

Adams also believes that while press restrictions may be heavy in this conflict, it will not completely prevent information from leaking out.

"Restrictions make it inconvenient, but they don't stop coverage," Adams said. "There will always be loopholes where you can get the information."

Susan Stephens, news director for Northern Public Radio station WNIJ 89.5 FM, said that while she would ask probing questions of military officials and lawmakers, she would apply a level of self-censorship in wartime coverage.

"We're supposed to get the truth," she said. "But if I had a piece of information that could endanger the lives of people, then I would probably hold it."

Stephens also expressed concern at the questionable handling of media impartiality.

"One thing that bothers me about this is the names on TV — ‘America Fights Back' and all that," Stephens said. "We can do whatever we feel we need to do to support our country. But when we are on the air, we are talking about the U.S., not us."

As winter approaches, NIU students should take certain precautions to avoid falling victim to seasonal illnesses.

Mary Strohm, a health educator for University Health Services, said illnesses contribute a great deal to how students perform in the classroom.

"Cold and flu are two of the health issues that have the greatest impact on student academics," Strohm said.

In order to stay healthy during cold and flu season, students should be sure to get plenty of rest. Disinfecting surfaces and hand-washing also are good preventative measures. A well-balanced diet, the use of vitamins and hydrating the body enables students to build strong immune systems.

"Preventive measures such as flu shots, hand-washing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle reduce the risk of cold and flu, and allow students to perform at their best academic and social pursuits," said Steve Lux, a health educator for University Health Services.

Another way to prevent falling ill to the flu is to get a flu shot.

Starting today, University Health Services is providing students with the opportunity to receive a flu shot. The fee for students is $5, with the remainder of the money already covered by the student's health fee. No appointment is necessary and high-risk students, those with health problems or who have conditions that compromise the immune system, are encouraged to go as soon as possible.

Sue Udovich, a freshman elementary education major, believes that the flu shots will be effective and all students will benefit from receiving the shot.

"For the past five years I have received the flu shot at the start of winter and it has prevented me from getting the flu," Udovich said. "It is worth paying $5 in order to have a lesser chance of falling sick."

By utilizing certain precautions, NIU students can stay healthy throughout the winter.

"I always get sick around this time of year and this year I do not want to get sick and fall behind in my classes," freshman business major Derek Ryan said.