The flu season is making its annual rounds of educational institutions in the area. In the Dakota Valley school district, several students have stayed home sick with the flu or with flu symptoms in the months of September and October.

While numbers are not significantly higher than in previous years, the strains striking local students are new. According to the Center for Disease Control, Influenza A, and the H1N1 viruses are infecting people now. Symptoms of both diseases include headache, sore throat, high fever, chills, and body aches. Hospital nurses advise patients with either virus to drink lots of water, stay cool, take something for the fever, and to not return to normal activities (including school) until 24 hours after the fever breaks. If, however, a victim’s neck gets stiff, or a fever rises to 105 degrees and above, then hospitalization is recommended.

Middle school student Laura Michaelson came down with the H1N1 last week.  Michaelson woke up on a Saturday morning with a headache, and by the end of the day had all the symptoms of the flu. The disease ran its course within four days, and Michaelson was back to school by mid-week. She battled the symptoms with Tylenol, fluids and lots of rest, but also had her own unique remedy.

“I think ice cream really helped me,” said Michaelson. “It made my throat feel a lot better.”

There are anti-viral shots available to flu patients who request them, but according to St. Luke’s they are only nominally effective. Treating the symptoms while letting the flu run its course is the most common remedy.  High risk groups like the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems should seek out a doctor’s care.

Kelly Jo Case, the middle and high school nurse, believes that all students should know how to try to stay healthy during flu season.

“Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important things to prevent yourself from being sick. You need to wash your hands. If you have a cold or a cough you should cover your mouth if you cough, sneeze, or whatever. If your hands are full, cough into your sleeves. If you have a temperature, stay home! Don’t spread it,” said Case.

The elementary school will have a flu clinic that will be giving flu shots for free for children six months to 18 years of age. This will take place on Monday, October 26, and Tuesday October 27, from 4 to 7.

To get the flu shot, one must fill out a form that is available on the school website