Temperatures Decrease Illness Increase

With the cool air of the late Fall and Winter months comes the inevitable onslaught of illness that accompanies increased time indoors. Jefferson County has recently been impacted by several viruses that are highly contagious. As is general, County schools have been hit by the variety of viruses. County School Officials stated last week that numbers of student absentees have not been great enough to warrant closing schools, however the hope is that the time off for Thanksgiving will allow students to get well and stop the rising number of absentees. Some schools have predominately been hit by the stomach virus, which is making the rounds through Jefferson County. A few County schools also have the viral trifecta of influenza and strep running through the student body. Generally, it requires a 10% student absentee rate in the County to warrant school closing. Jefferson County School Officials must adhere to State standards with regard to closing of schools and must be able to document the justification for any school closing. Students at Jefferson Middle School had an extra day off last week, as a water break caused the release of students. Good hand washing, keeping hands away from face and mouth and limited contact with infected individuals are key to avoiding illness, according to the Center for Disease Control. Students should also get plenty of rest and eat healthy meals to have the best chance of fighting off illness during the year.

Source: K. Depew, News Director