Doctor’s offices in Pike have been overrun with sick patients and many classrooms were nearly empty as students were too sick to attend on the week of finals for the high school.
“The Pike County School District has been actively addressing the recent increase in flu cases across the district by implementing precautionary measures aimed at protecting students staff, and families,” said superintendent Shane Williamson.
He noted that school administrators and health personnel have closely monitored attendance and symptoms, reinforced cleaning and sanitation protocols in classrooms and common areas, and emphasized good hygiene practices such as regular hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes. Families have been encouraged to keep students at home when they are ill to help reduce the spread of the virus.
“Our priority is the health and safety of our students and staff,” he said. “By working together with families and following recommended health guidelines, we can limit the impact of seasonal illness.”
Administrators hope the holiday vacation will play a positive role in slowing the spread of the flu by reducing large group interactions and allowing time for recovery.
“School officials appreciate the cooperation and understanding of parents, students, and staff as the community works through this seasonal challenge together.”
In Week 50 (Dec. 7-13) there were 12 verified influenza outbreaks in Georgia and only 13 total outbreaks since Oct. 4 when flu season started. There were 153 metro-area flu-related hospitalizations in Week 50, with 501 total since Oct. 4.
Each year from October to mid-May, Georgia’s Department of Public Health tracks flu activity throughout the state and reports the findings in the Georgia Weekly Influenza Report.
Although Week 50 saw an increase in the number of cases and flu outbreaks, there were no additional deals in Week 50. There have been a total of 12 flu-related deaths since Oct. 4.
The DPH says to prevent flu, the most important step is a flu vaccine, supplemented by good hygiene like frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your face, covering coughs/sneezes, cleaning surfaces and maintaining distance from sick people. Staying home when sick and supporting your immune system with sleep, nutrition and exercise also significantly lowers risk.
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