The Monroe County Community School Corporation is taking measures to make sure students stay healthy this flu season. It’s an annual challenge.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that so far this flu season that there have been at least 19 million flu illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths from flu.
MCCSC Director of Health Services Renee Stikeleather says the health office sees about 11,000 visits a month and around 600 students a day throughout the corporation.
“We are affected, like everyone, with an increase of absences sometimes with our students and our staff," Stikeleather said.
Stikeleather says that to keep the environment sanitary, counter tops are always cleaned, hand sanitizer dispensers are always available and the janitorial staff cleans the buildings every evening and when needed throughout the day.
MCCSC officials encourage students and teachers to cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough, wash their hands frequently throughout the day, practice good eating habits and get enough sleep.
Officials suggest parents promote good hygiene habits in children and make sure to get kids yearly check-ups.
“Something that’s really important to remember is that it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine," Stikeleather said.
The CDC says the flu causes more hospitalizations among young children than any other vaccine-preventable disease. It says the best way to protect against seasonal flu is to get the vaccine.
MCCSC partners with the Monroe County Public Health Clinic to provide flu vaccines to students and employees every year.