http://www.wsoctv.com/news/10526929/detail.html
Flu Outbreak Sidelining Students In Cleveland County
POSTED: 2:41 pm EST December 13, 2006
UPDATED: 3:31 pm EST December 13, 2006
SHELBY, N.C. -- A flu outbreak has forced more than 1,800 students to miss school in Cleveland County.
The students were all out sick with flu symptoms the first two days of this week. Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, muscle aches and stomach problems.
This is not the first outbreak in North Carolina this year. Schools in Mitchell and Yancey counties shut down because of flu outbreaks in November.
One Cleveland County school, Casar Elementary, reported 30 percent of its students have been absent this week because of the flu. The county?s health department is now sending a note home with every student in Cleveland County to warn parents about the virus.
Health experts say the spread of the flu is preventable. It?s not too late to get a flu shot, which is available at the health department and at most physicians? offices.
Those at risk for contracting the flu should also practice good health habits, including frequently washing hands, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Children and adults are also reminded to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze.
Anyone who contracts the virus should stay home to prevent others from catching it.
Once sick, people can take antiviral medications to reduce their symptoms and the length of their illness. The drugs can also be taken to prevent the flu, but anyone seeking them should know they must have a prescription.
Cleveland County pharmacists say requests for Tamiflu are up 100 percent this week. They said the drug was rarely asked for two weeks ago, but now many people are seeking it.
Flu Outbreak Sidelining Students In Cleveland County
POSTED: 2:41 pm EST December 13, 2006
UPDATED: 3:31 pm EST December 13, 2006
SHELBY, N.C. -- A flu outbreak has forced more than 1,800 students to miss school in Cleveland County.
The students were all out sick with flu symptoms the first two days of this week. Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, muscle aches and stomach problems.
This is not the first outbreak in North Carolina this year. Schools in Mitchell and Yancey counties shut down because of flu outbreaks in November.
One Cleveland County school, Casar Elementary, reported 30 percent of its students have been absent this week because of the flu. The county?s health department is now sending a note home with every student in Cleveland County to warn parents about the virus.
Health experts say the spread of the flu is preventable. It?s not too late to get a flu shot, which is available at the health department and at most physicians? offices.
Those at risk for contracting the flu should also practice good health habits, including frequently washing hands, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Children and adults are also reminded to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze.
Anyone who contracts the virus should stay home to prevent others from catching it.
Once sick, people can take antiviral medications to reduce their symptoms and the length of their illness. The drugs can also be taken to prevent the flu, but anyone seeking them should know they must have a prescription.
Cleveland County pharmacists say requests for Tamiflu are up 100 percent this week. They said the drug was rarely asked for two weeks ago, but now many people are seeking it.