NEW GLARUS — The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found flu activity peaks between December and February, and despite a number of sick absences in one day, one local school superintendent said the specific illness is not to blame.
New Glarus School District Superintendent Jennifer Thayer acknowledged 80 elementary students were absent Jan. 7, but she said only a “couple” of children were out due to confirmed cases of the flu.
“That’s higher than usual but it’s typical … during the sickness season to have a lot of students out,” Thayer said.
New Glarus Elementary School has about 500 total students. At least 20 students had returned by the following day, Thayer said. She added that high numbers of absences had not occurred at the middle or high school level. Thayer said she was glad to see elementary students were returning and healthy, and she was “happy it was short-lived.”
Green County Health Director RoAnn Warden said she had not heard of any large numbers of people greatly ill with the flu. She explained that flu generally manifests itself as two types: either as gastrointestinal, which means a viral sickness that could include vomiting, stomach cramps and fever; or as influenza, which is a viral respiratory illness that causes muscle pains, nasal congestion, fatigue and chills. Those viruses can vary and some types are meant to be prevented through the annual flu vaccine.
Warden said the county department receives reports of hospitalizations due to the flu. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issues weekly reports on the topic, including other common illnesses in winter months, like respiratory infections and sicknesses that mimic influenza.
In the report ending Jan. 5, 49 people had been tested, but only three had been found to have influenza. Out of the 22 tests conducted for RSV, which causes respiratory infections, eight people were found to be positive.
Warden said the southern region is considered to be moderate. At the county level, the health department is generally told by schools or health care facilities, generally for the older population, if numbers escalate.
Thayer referenced a model from the Department of Public Instruction she had seen in the past, which dictated that absences due to illness only become a major concern if roughly 30 percent of the school population is out sick. She said the absences on that Monday did not even reach 20 percent.
Monroe schools Director of Pupil Services Joe Monroe said Friday that he did not have specific numbers provided by the district nurse, but noted students seemed in average health during various trips to each school building. Mostly, he said the children he sees throughout the day have a common cold.
“It’s actually been pretty mild to my knowledge,” Monroe said.
Warden said she has not received reports of any major outbreaks, but noted everyone should continue to guard against incoming illness. If sick, stay home, she said. If cleaning up after someone who is, Warden added, wear protective items like gloves and be sure to use bleach to effectively sanitize any areas.
“It is the time of year,” Warden said. “The best thing to do is wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.”