Acting in response to a steadily rising number of flu cases within the county’s schools, Charlotte County School Administration recently sent students home with an informational flier about the flu for parents to reference. It is important to remember that the rules apply to everyone, though.
According to a statement made by school Nurse Coordinator Sheila Hazelwood, “The number of flu cases seen in our area and in our schools has been steadily increasing. This informational flier includes facts about the flu, how to protect your child(ren), and what to do if you suspect that they may have the flu. It is our hope that this flier will help parents better protect their children and others as we navigate this flu season together. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school nurse.”
“Influenza (or “the flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms include fever (in some cases), chills, sore throat, cough, runny nose muscle fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.” Complications from the flu can be severe, especially among high risk groups such as the immunosuppressed, the very young and elderly.
According to CDC estimates for the 2018-2019 flu season through mid-January there have been 6.2 million to 7.3 million flu illnesses, 2.9 to 3.5 million medical visits, and 69,300 to 83,500 hospitalizations.
Virginia Department of Health statistics through week ending Feb. 7, indicate that the 2018-2019 flu season had entered its sixth week at widespread level statewide. While current VDH data does indicate that this season is some four weeks later reaching its current level than during the 2017-18 flu season, historical data stands as a reminder to us all that flu season is far from over.