This article appeared in MLive. Read more here.
More than 90 students and teachers at Holland Public School’s West Elementary were absent Wednesday with flu-like symptoms, forcing the school to close the rest of this week.
“Student health and safety is always our primary concern. By canceling school at West Elementary for a few days, our sick students and teachers will have the time to recover while healthy students and teachers will avoid catching the virus,” said Holland Superintendent Brian Davis.
John Craner, communications director for the district, said West will reopen on Monday, Jan. 27. He said the district is working closely with the health department to ensure students return to a healthy learning environment.
During the school closure, maintenance workers will clean all areas of the building. All activities are canceled during this time. Only West Elementary is closed Jan. 23 and 24. All other schools are open and operating on a normal schedule.
West Elementary has 454 students. Approximately 20 percent were out ill. The Ottawa County Health Department calls for school action when the percentage rises to between 15 to 20 percent. However, the school district had already made the call.
Richfield Public School Academy in Flint is also dealing with illness and announced Wednesday it will be closed this week. Kristina Wieghming, communications specialist/public information officer for the Ottawa County Health Department, said flu activity has been high in Ottawa County. She said the peak season for the flu is January through March and the numbers will probably increase.
On the district website, school leaders have shared suggestions from health officials such as students with flu-like symptoms should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone.
Some other suggestions for families to keep from getting seasonal flu include:
- Get your flu vaccination.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. In the absence of a tissue, use the crook of your elbow.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. In the absence of soap and water, alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Try to avoid contact with sick people.