Fairbury Public Schools, JCH&L, urging caution with rising influenza rate
FAIRBURY - Reported cases of influenza are on the rise across the U.S. and Nebraska, and those in Fairbury are doing what they can to prevent the illness from spreading further.
Jefferson Community Health & Life and Cedarwood Assisted Living have added a restriction of school-age children visiting, because flu rates are currently highest in in that age group around Fairbury.
In addition, visitors, volunteers and staff who have not been immunized are required to wear masks while in the JCH&L facilities.
On Monday night, Fairbury Public schools superintendent Stephen Grizzle sent a lengthy, district-wide phone message, talking about some precautions and safety measures that can be taken by students, staff and parents.
"The number one thing that families can do is if their kid has a fever and is displaying symptoms, keep the kid at home," Grizzle said, "until that fever breaks without medication."
While it's unclear just how many students have the flu, Grizzle said over 100 students were absent from the Fairbury district on Monday.
JCH&L reminds the public that anyone who has been exposed to influenza, or has symptoms, should not visit their facilities. Gardenside and Cedarwood do not have any active cases of influenza at this time.
“The thing about influenza season, is that it's very unpredictable from week to week, said Amber Brunow, JCH&L's infection preventionist.” Our number one goal is to keep our residents, tenants and patients healthy. Influenza can be deadly, especially for those with weakened immune systems.”
At least 1,300 people have died from the flu so far this season, according to a preliminary estimate released Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There have been at least 2.6 million flu illnesses and 23,000 flu-related hospitalizations, according to the analysis. People with the flu often experience fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.
Some people are at higher risk for complications from the flu, including children younger than 5 years old, particularly those under 2. Other groups at high risk are adults 65 and older, pregnant women, residents of long-term care facilities and people with weakened immune systems, asthma, heart disease and diabetes.
Hand-washing, avoiding sick people and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth can help prevent the flu. The most important step to stop seasonal flu is for everyone 6 months or older to get vaccinated, according to the CDC.
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