How Dobie students and teachers should protect themselves this Flu season
October 24, 2019
How Dobie students and teachers should protect themselves this Flu season
By Rashon Collins, Jazzmine Govea and Ciarra Delgado
Fall isn’t always fairs and pumpkin patches…it’s also Flu season. When October rolls around, so does the Flu. Schools are particularly susceptible to the Flu because students and staff are in a confined space all week. But there are ways to protect yourself against the Flu.
The Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. You can decrease the chance of getting the Flu by getting a Flu shot, washing your hands and disinfecting surfaces.
Parents, 8th graders, 7th graders, staff…nearly everyone who goes into schools is at risk. The Flu can be largely decreased by obtaining a flu shot, according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control). Mrs. Marsha Mudge, Dobie nurse, explains that the Flu virus can be spread easily at school. “It’s very contagious and can wipe out the whole school,” said Mrs. Mudge. “It spreads like an epidemic.”
In total, the CDC estimates up to 42.9 million people had the Flu during 2018-2019 season. 647,000 were hospitalized and 61,200 died.
The Flu can be spread when a person simply coughs, sneezes, or talks, things that occur almost every day. Lauren Brochu, an 8th grader at Dobie Jr. High, says she understands how easy it is to spread the Flu. “I think the Flu is very contagious so it’s easy to spread to other people,” she said.
The Flu vaccine prevents tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year. Usually, you’ll need nothing more than bed rest and plenty of fluids to treat the Flu, however, if you catch a more severe type, it can lead to hospitalization.
There are three types of Flu viruses A, B, and C. Type A and B cause the annual influenza epidemics that have up to 20% of the population sniffling, aching, coughing, and running high fevers. Type C also causes Flu; however, type C Flu symptoms are much less severe.
Common signs and symptoms of the Flu include a 100.4 F fever, aching muscles, chills and sweats, headache, cough, fatigue and weakness, and a sore throat. When you have the flu consider eating broth, soup, yogurt, food containing VitaminC, leafy greens, and oatmeal.
The Flu typically lasts one to two weeks, with severe symptoms subsiding in two to three days. However, weakness, fatigue, dry cough, and a reduced ability to exercise can linger for three to seven days.
The Flu affects schools in numerous ways. First off, it spreads very quickly, and very easily. It can cause a bunch of people to be absent.
Drew Diaz DeLeon, 8th grader, says that he has had the Flu before. “I got the Flu last year around November. I got it from other kids who had it around me,” he said. “I can spread easily and effect a bunch of people.”
Avery Bruno, 8th grader, shares her experience with the Flu, and how easily it spreads.“It spreads around. And when one person gets it, a bunch of people can get it from the same person,” said Bruno.
The Flu also causes problems for students during school. Alexandra Ramos, an 8th grader at Dobie, understands how hard it is to focus while sick. “I just couldn’t concentrate, ” she said.
The Flu affects students’ grades as well, “It kinda affects your grades because when your sick, you can’t really focus
and pay attention,” said Lauren Brochu. “ I know from personal experience it’s hard to catch up because no one is teaching you how to do it,” Bruno added.
The Flu shot can decrease the chance of you getting the flu, but it can’t take away the possibility of you getting the flu. Mrs. Mudge provided insight in hopes to decrease the amount of influenza-struck students, “Wash. Your. Hands.”
The school can be helpful in this situation as well, “The school should supply more hand sanitizer and clean all the tables well” said Brochu. The Nurse does receive more frequent visits, along with her job becoming harder. “She does her job more because more kids are sick” Said Diaz DeLeon. But Mrs. Mudge has a different opinion, “I’m really cool so people want to come see me.”
Mrs. Mudge also mentioned on September 19th Dobie gave out free Flu shots for their faculty. On October 22nd, if students haven’t gotten their Flu shot yet Dobie is having a Flu clinic. All parents have to do is fill out a form online. During the day they will be calling for kids who signed up for the clinic.
For more information:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm
https://www.livescience.com/61463-how-do-you-die-from-flu.html
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/advanced-reading-types-of-flu-viruses#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351725
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719
Emma Ybanez • Nov 5, 2019 at 2:06 pm
i really like the information you put in this its really good,and great information to know
Benjamin De Leon • Oct 30, 2019 at 2:54 pm
Being sick is very contagions and can be very harmful the article is very great and has nice details explains how being sick is bad for you.
crystal gandara • Oct 30, 2019 at 2:52 pm
I like how Dobie cares about there kids not missing school and make sure they stay very healthy.
Kyulani Mora • Oct 30, 2019 at 2:47 pm
I liked how you provided more facts than experiences. It’s really helpful for people who’re un-knowledgeable about the flu.
shiya freeman • Oct 28, 2019 at 3:06 pm
i like the pictures and the whole thing about it how u gave so many facts about the flu seasons and got the opinions from the other 8th graders and the nurse again i like it GREAT FACTS!!!!!
Hailey Gorzell • Oct 28, 2019 at 11:25 am
Great information, I think this will encourage Dobie students and staff to get he flu shot. I have got the flu, before and it is not fun. I had to miss a whole week of school, and I was miserable. This article has good facts and great suggestions for this year’s flu season.
Natalie DeLeon • Oct 28, 2019 at 11:06 am
I like how many facts you added to this story.