Rest. Rest. Rest. (Pixabay)
While thousands get sick with the flu virus each year, this year has been particularly hard-hitting and on record the worst since the 2009 outbreak.
A frightening 63 pediatric deaths have occurred along with the highest hospitalization rates recorded in nearly a decade throughout the country, due to the H3N2 strain of influenza. According to the Department of Health, Ohio has accounted for three of the 63 pediatric deaths and has had near record amounts of hospitalizations.
Janet Fireman, a CA full-time nurse since 2012, said, “I have not seen a flu season this bad in my time at Academy.” With 51 students being out sick in the Upper School on Monday, February 5 alone, this outbreak has clearly had a damaging impact on school life.
Fireman said that the Upper School had been hit the hardest, as she believed that stress and a lack of sleep made older students more susceptible to the virus and are more likely to come to school while still sick, fearing they will fall behind, and thus, continue spreading the virus.
Along with common tips like hand washing, getting healthy amounts of sleep, and not touching your face, eyes or mouth, Fireman says that students must stay home until they have been fever free without the help of medication for 24 hours in to help combat the virus. Fireman takes precautions to avoids the flu and other sicknesses by following her own advice for cleanliness.
Most students get a flu shot, but studies have found the vaccine to be relatively ineffective in preventing the virus this year.
Fellow nurse, Beckie Hoagland and Fireman send home any students who come to their office with flu-like symptoms, which include aches, fever, fatigue, and malaise.
If stricken, take the days off that you need. Come back when fully recovered, and stay hydrated.
