morningperson
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http://www.waaytv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10998020
MADISON COUNTY- The fall semester has started and already the H1N1 virus, or swine flu is taking a toll on many North Alabama schools. There are reported cases of the flu all the way from Muscle Shoals to Madison.
Madison City Schools have had one confirmed case of flu at Bob Jones High school. There are also confirmed cases at three elementary schools including Madison, Rainbow and Columbia Elementary.
Madison City School Nurse Supervisor Bonnie Davis says there haven't been a high number of absentees. Davis also said the district learned a lot since the big scare in the spring semester. Heritage Elementary had the first confirmed case of Swine Flu in Alabama and they immediately canceled school until they got a handle on the situation. "It's not as scary as we thought. You just never know though if it will start spreading which was cause for concern," added Davis.
Muscle Shoals High School is reporting a high rate of absentees. This week they've seen a 15 percent absentee rate. On a normal day they only see less than five percent. Monday nearly 80 students were out sick. But Tuesday and Wednesday over 120 students were out sick. Kelley Word, the lead nurse for the district said several of those students did test positive for influenza A.
Huntsville City School Spokesman Keith Ward said that Monte Sano Elementary is the only school that has a possible case of the flu. A parent called Principal Brad Scott saying that their child might have the flu. Scott sent a message out through Parent-Link informing parents of the situation. They are taking the necessary precautions by cleaning desks, computers and door knobs to prevent the spread. However they say so far that one incident seems to be isolated. Scott also said it is only a possible case not a confirmed case.
Both Huntsville and Madison City Schools have ordered masks in case there is an outbreak.
They are also preparing for the H1N1 flu vaccine which they think will be available by mid October. There will be clinics set up at all schools. The State Department of Public Health says this will be the most extensive mass immunization effort undertaken in the state's history. The immunization will be voluntary, but the district are preparing for a large amount of students to be immunized. They are requesting nurse volunteers to help at each school.
Right now they're urging parents to keep their children at home if they show any sign of the flu and to teach their children proper hygiene.
MADISON COUNTY- The fall semester has started and already the H1N1 virus, or swine flu is taking a toll on many North Alabama schools. There are reported cases of the flu all the way from Muscle Shoals to Madison.
Madison City Schools have had one confirmed case of flu at Bob Jones High school. There are also confirmed cases at three elementary schools including Madison, Rainbow and Columbia Elementary.
Madison City School Nurse Supervisor Bonnie Davis says there haven't been a high number of absentees. Davis also said the district learned a lot since the big scare in the spring semester. Heritage Elementary had the first confirmed case of Swine Flu in Alabama and they immediately canceled school until they got a handle on the situation. "It's not as scary as we thought. You just never know though if it will start spreading which was cause for concern," added Davis.
Muscle Shoals High School is reporting a high rate of absentees. This week they've seen a 15 percent absentee rate. On a normal day they only see less than five percent. Monday nearly 80 students were out sick. But Tuesday and Wednesday over 120 students were out sick. Kelley Word, the lead nurse for the district said several of those students did test positive for influenza A.
Huntsville City School Spokesman Keith Ward said that Monte Sano Elementary is the only school that has a possible case of the flu. A parent called Principal Brad Scott saying that their child might have the flu. Scott sent a message out through Parent-Link informing parents of the situation. They are taking the necessary precautions by cleaning desks, computers and door knobs to prevent the spread. However they say so far that one incident seems to be isolated. Scott also said it is only a possible case not a confirmed case.
Both Huntsville and Madison City Schools have ordered masks in case there is an outbreak.
They are also preparing for the H1N1 flu vaccine which they think will be available by mid October. There will be clinics set up at all schools. The State Department of Public Health says this will be the most extensive mass immunization effort undertaken in the state's history. The immunization will be voluntary, but the district are preparing for a large amount of students to be immunized. They are requesting nurse volunteers to help at each school.
Right now they're urging parents to keep their children at home if they show any sign of the flu and to teach their children proper hygiene.