Viruses are getting a grip in SAD 44

In the past few days the number of students in SAD 44 out of school because of illness has jumped, according to SAD 44 Nurse Chris Cole.
Last week she said there were a few students and teachers with flu-like symptoms, but there were not a lot of absences.
But on Tuesday, said Cole, “Things have changed in the past two days. I now have 15 percent of Woodstock school students absent with flu like illnesses. I feel we are now starting to see the effects in our schools.”
She said she is required to notify the Maine Center for Disease Control if 15 percent or more of a school’s population is absent.
The flu has been making headlines state and nationwide in the past couple of weeks.
SAD 44 held a flu vaccination clinic for students in early November.
Cole also said a gastrointestinal virus has been circulating since students returned from their holiday vacation break.
She said the gastrointestinal virus typically lasts 24 to 48 hours. “Influenza presents with fever, body aches, chills, chest discomfort - and people are down and out for 5-7 days,” she said.
“My message: If you are sick, stay home from work or school until you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing agents such as Tylenol. Wash your hands or use a waterless hand cleaner frequently.  Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth and cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Dispose of the tissue properly.
Remember - It is not too late to get the flu vaccine.”