Young and elderly susceptible to flu
By: Kimberly Rusley
Updated: January 11, 2013
At Forest Hill Elementary School, little ones are braving the flu season. So far, their school nurse says they're doing a great job.
"Well compared to last year, our absentees are running about the same for students and staff," says Angel Peterson, Head Nurse. "We haven't noticed a big increase in absentees related to the flu."
Children make up one of the two groups that are more susceptible to the flu.
Peterson says vaccines and healthy habits have stunted the growth of the virus at the school.
"We pass out handouts and little pamphlets about the importance of protecting yourself, and protecting the students by good handwashing," says Peterson.
The other group is the elderly. At Heritage Manor Stratmore, the elderly haven't fared so well.
"It's been an increase for us," says Kim McCandlish, Head Nurse.
McCandlish says there's been more cases than last year, and it's even spread to the facilities staff.
"They don't return to work until they've been fever-free for 24 to 48 hours and no symptoms," says McCandlish.
Even though there haven't been an alarming number of cases, there's still signage posted as a precaution.
"We also ask that if visitors are sick during the flu season, that they not visit if at all possible," says McCandlish.
She hopes that since it's the middle of the flu season, the residents will be able to make it through without a high amount of infection.
