Schools

Osseo School District Schools See Uptick in "Influenza-Like Illnesses"

The district started seeing the increase in mid-December 2012.

As flu rates are reportedly increasing, schools in the Osseo School District are also seeing the impact.

Since mid-December, schools in District 279 have noticed an “uptick in influenza-like illnesses,” according to district officials.

“Winter break helped because it removed the opportunity for any virus to spread over those 10 days or so,” officials said.

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Normally, the average daily attendance rate district wide is 95.05%. However, attendance went down to 94.2% in December and 93.1% for the week of Jan. 3. The difference in one percent point equals more than 200 Osseo School District students, Marketing Communications Specialist Malia Cole told Patch.

As part of preventative measures, annual education efforts continued this year in the district in giving students extra emphasis on washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes. This year, the district also provided extra supplies of disinfectant wipes to all schools in mid-December.

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In addition, the district is encouraging staff and students to do the following, according to district officials:

  • Get the flu shot
  • Wash hands frequently. If washing can’t be done, use hand sanitizer. 
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow
  • Try not to touch the face throughout the day especially the nose, eyes, and ears.
  • Open a door by using your elbow or other part of your arm if possible
  • Stay home if you are ill; if you have temperature/fever, coughing, sore throat, or body aches, seek medical attention and follow medical advice.

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You might also be interested in reading: Flu Season 2013: Rates Increase in Minnesota; 27 Deaths Now Reported


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