Illness takes toll in local classrooms

Schools step up already stringent hygiene practices

By Karin Burke | The Daily Journal

Published Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Local elementary schools and day care providers report a sharp increase in the number of kids out sick from colds and flus in the last week, leaving classrooms empty and large numbers of kids absent.

Although the illnesses are nothing more than a common flu with high fever, the high numbers have slowed down the school week. Cleveland Elementary School had 59 students out sick last Friday, according to Tami Collins, secretary at Cleveland School.

“We’re seeing a lot of high fevers, mostly. Some kids have been diagnosed with phnemonia after they have been sent home and have not gotten better after the usual two or three days.” she said.

The kindergarten class was missing eight students on Friday, and the third-grade was also missing eight. One classroom with 27 students was missing 17 children.

Adams Elementary had 46 kids out on Friday.

“There’s not much you can do at that point. At the end of the afternoon those kids watched a movie,” Collins said.

Kristi Wentworth, school nurse at Fergus Falls public schools, notes that the numbers have not hit Friday’s point again since, but that a lot of kids are still out sick. “We seemed to peak at the end of the week. It’s still around, but the numbers aren’t so drastically high.” she said.

With germs running rampant, washing and general hygiene rules, normally monitored every day anyway, are being especially vigorously watched right now.

“The custodians are working extra hard to keep things clean, and the teachers are all encouraging lots of hand washing.”

There has not been an increased incidence of staff illnesses, Wentworth said.

LuAnne Harris of Childcare Resource and Referral said that daycare providers have also been hit hard.

“Sometimes, it hits the school-aged kids first, and then moves to the younger kids.”

A number of childcare providers in the resource and referral network have seen a spike in sick kids, she said.

“Only a few providers have had to close, and those have closed because of illness in the provider’s family, not with the kids who attend,”she said.

“The most important things are things we already know and do,” Wentworth said. “Handwashing, cough into your sleeve, avoid real close contact. We also encourage families to keep kids at home when they are not feeling well, and not to rush them back to school.”

Wentworth also recommends flu shots. “They’re not immediately effective, so the shot may not prevent this round (of illnesses). But the flu shot is said to be the number one prevention of colds and flu, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.”

Diane Thorson of Otter Tail County Public Health said flu shots are still available at her office and at private health care providers. Families should check with their health care providers before getting a shot. To receive a flu shot at public heath, an appointment is necessary. The cost of the vaccine will be covered by those on medical assistance. Uninsured persons can receive the flu shot for $22.