Health officials across Massachusetts and the United States are reporting increasing numbers of flu cases over the past few weeks—primarily Type A influenza—and there’s no indication the trend is ready for a downturn yet.
An increasing number of flu cases have also been seen at Holyoke Public Schools, with the district’s nursing team reporting more than 75 cases since mid-Janury, according to Cynthia Carbone, the district’s director of health, wellness, and nursing. She and other health professionals recommend following basic measures to help reduce the number of cases and to keep students, their families, and staff healthy.
“The best offense is a good defense,” she said. “Our nursing team works closely with our students and families to provide education, referrals, and support to manage the influenza cases within the district.”
Their recommendations include the following:
Wear masks to help to stop the spread of flu and other illnesses.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and teach your children to do so, too.
Get a flu shot every year.
Contact your school nurse or health care provider if you are uncertain whether to send your children to school for health reasons.
Earlier this year, HPS produced and shared health guidelines for school attendance so families and staff would know when to go to school, when to stay home, and when to call their medical providers. These guidelines were released in nine languages:
“Healthy children learn better,” Mrs. Carbone said, “and it takes collaboration to maintain a healthy school environment. Our nurses and senior building custodians collaborate about cases of illness and cleaning strategies. It's an important partnership that helps to ensure a safe and healthy building environment.”
HPS Maintenance Administrator Sean Sheedy said routine cleaning is a key component for maintaining a healthy school environment.
“Our custodians follow a daily cleaning schedule in all of our schools throughout the year. During break weeks—including next week’s February break—our custodians do a deeper clean in all classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and other group spaces,” he said. “In addition to regular and deeper cleanings, we also have air scrubbers placed in all classrooms, and we regularly change out those filters.
Additional information about the flu and flu vaccines is available on the district website for easy reference.
“We want to remind our families and staff that flu vaccines offer the best defense against flu and its potentially serious consequences and can also reduce the spread of flu to others,” Mrs. Carbone said. “Getting vaccinated has been shown to reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, missed work and school days, and reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization and death in children.”