Flu bug no problem for Marion schools
The flu bug hasn't made as big an impact in Marion as it has in some school districts around the state — at least not yet.
"I don't think it's been as bad here as it has in some places where they have tons of kids out and are closing school," said Janice Waner, school district nurse.
Some districts in the state have had so many students and staff out with sickness, several have closed school for a day or two in recent weeks. On Thursday, Minneapolis closed its schools early for Christmas break due to illness.
We've only had about 20 kids out at Marion Elementary," Waner said. "The others (Marion Middle and High School) are in about the same boat."
Signs of illness seen in Marion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
"It's more of an intestinal flu as opposed to a respiratory flu," Waner said.
Hopefully, the approximate two week Christmas break will help control the situation, Waner said. However, that's not always the case.
Schools often see increased illness following extended breaks like Thanksgiving and Christmas. That tends to happen when families travel somewhere to visit, pick up whatever bug is going around there, and then bring it back.
"You're exposed to a whole different set of viral germs," Waner said.
If children are vomiting or vomited the night before, they should be kept home from school.
"If they're not feeling well they should be at home, otherwise the rest of the kids, teachers and staff are being exposed.," Waner said.
Although illness cannot always be prevented, there are steps individuals can take to try and avert it, Waner said.
"Wash your hands a lot, stay away from sick people, and don't share cups and other things with people who are sick," she said.
It's also important to get plenty of rest and eat well.
Flu shots do not prevent the intestinal flu — which tends to make the rounds in schools, although the shots do protect against the respiratory version.
"Do the things you need to do to keep healthy," Waner said. "Hopefully, we'll all come back after the break, and people can stay well."
Christmas break for students in Marion-Florence USD 408 began Friday. Students return to class Jan. 6.
