Flu cases are on the rise in the Miami Valley region of Ohio, leading to school closures and increased hospitalizations. Health officials urge residents to take preventive measures like vaccination and frequent handwashing to curb the spread.
A surge in flu cases has prompted the closure of a school in Clark County and a Catholic school in Miami County this week. The Miami Valley region is also experiencing a rise in flu-related hospitalizations, prompting health officials to closely monitor the situation. Dan Suffoletto, public information officer for Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County, stated that flu cases spiking in the winter is not unusual and that's what they are currently observing.
According to a 2018 CDC study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, approximately 8% of the U.S. population gets sick from flu each season, with the range fluctuating between 3% and 11% depending on the season. In Ohio, hospitalizations are exceeding the five-year average, indicating a recent increase. Suffoletto emphasized that individuals who seek medical attention for flu symptoms might vary depending on their specific health conditions. Those at higher risk include elderly individuals and people with compromised immune systems. Health officials urge the public to pay attention to their symptoms and stay home if they feel unwell to prevent the spread of the flu. Suffoletto stressed the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu as a personal measure to reduce the risk of severe illness. Schools often encounter outbreaks of various illnesses, including norovirus, which is highly contagious. Clark Shawnee Local Schools closed on Friday due to a significant number of teacher and support staff illnesses, with 25 to 30 staff members across various departments, including teaching, support staff, transportation, paraprofessionals, and food service, absent. With staffing levels insufficient to safely operate the school district, they were forced to close. In the elementary building alone, Pre-K to 6th grade, 159 students were absent on Thursday, representing nearly 18% of the student body. Superintendent Brian Kuhn shared that the absenteeism has been persistent, with classrooms experiencing four to six students out sick on any given day, creating a continuous cycle. Kuhn expressed hope that the weekend break will provide an opportunity for individuals to recover, rest, and rehydrate, allowing them to return to school on Monday. He emphasized that the school's primary objective is to remain open and serve healthy students whenever staffing permits. The school's custodial team has been diligently working, utilizing UV air filters in high-traffic areas, and sanitizing all student desks, lockers, and frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and restroom fixtures. Kuhn confirmed that the state mandates a minimum number of instructional hours that students must be present for, and they closely monitor the situation. If any decisions regarding school status are made, parents will be promptly notified. He mentioned that they anticipate a certain number of closure days due to weather and illnesses, as Ohio weather can be unpredictable. Their procedure for making up days is after using 10 calamity days. This closure counts as a calamity day, and they are currently at number four. Health officials reiterate that simple, healthy practices, such as frequent hand washing and staying home when sick, can effectively prevent the spread of the flu and norovirus. Suffoletto highlighted the importance of regular hand washing, even though it seems basic, as many people do not practice it consistently. He advised that when out in public, individuals should wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially when shopping, attending theaters or sporting events, or engaging in other social activities
FLU OHIO SCHOOL CLOSURE HOSPITALIZATION HEALTH OFFICIALS VACCINATION PREVENTION PUBLIC HEALTH
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