School Districts Urge Parents to Keep Sick Students Home
Flu Season Hits Harder and Earlier in Flint
Flint, Mich. – If you’ve felt unwell this season, you’re not alone. Local doctors have reported that the flu has hit harder and earlier than usual, prompting several school districts to issue warnings to parents about keeping their children at home.
“This is about the heaviest flu season we’ve seen in probably 10 or 12 years,” said John Brooks, the medical director of infection prevention for McLaren Health. He noted that this flu season peaked around Christmas.
“This year, flu outpaced everything by far,” said Brooks. “But the same time we got influenza A, we also got influenza B, which usually follows A. We don’t get it at the same time. So that’s been an oddity of the year.”
The impact of the flu is being felt in classrooms across the region. Flint Community Schools sent out a letter warning about an increase in cases of COVID, flu, and RSV.
“They’re not really good at hand hygiene and covering their nose and mouth when they cough and sneeze,” said Brooks. “So, they’re going to give it to all their little classmates.”
In Mount Pleasant, the school district is also asking parents to keep kids home if they show certain symptoms. Nicholas Haddad, an infectious disease specialist at Central Michigan University, explained what qualifies as moderate to severe symptoms.
“A kid who has moderate to severe symptoms, and that means fever of 100.5 or higher, it means vomiting or diarrhea, it means significant fatigue,” said Haddad. “They’re not feeling well, complaining of body aches, they’re not as playful as usual. These are all concerning symptoms, and that’s where I would consider keeping them at home.”
Haddad emphasized the importance of waiting at least 24 hours after a child’s fever has broken before sending them back to school.
“No fever meaning normal temperature, so around the clock, without any use of Tylenol or acetaminophen or other NSAIDS such as ibuprofen or Advil or Aleve, all those fever-lowering drugs,” said Haddad.
Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy
In addition to staying home when sick, there are several tips for keeping kids healthy during flu season. Teaching children the basics, like proper hand washing, and how to cough or sneeze into their sleeves can make a big difference.
It is also not too late to get your seasonal shots. Vaccinations can still provide protection against the flu, even later in the season.
“Parents should consider vaccinating their child,” said Haddad. “Even at this time of the year, we’re still having circulating viruses.”
Staying Informed
Keeping up with local health updates is essential during a busy flu season. Parents are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments and follow the guidelines provided by local health officials and school districts.
By taking proactive steps and following health recommendations, families can help reduce the spread of the flu and protect their communities.
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