More West Alabama Schools Close Because of Flu-Like Illnesses

Early this week, Lamar County Schools closed until Monday, amid numerous absences. System administration attributed the absences to illness.  Now, the AP reports that Pickens County High School and Pickens County Elementary were closed after dozens of students were sent home with flu symptoms. Their classes will resume Monday as well.

The closed systems are using the student-less days to wipe down as many surfaces as possible, including locks, desks, and floors.

It is said that levels of the flu are elevated statewide.  Data from the Alabama Department of Public Health indicates an increase in influenza-like illness over the past three weeks in all districts other than Mobile.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, Healthline offers the following tips to be safe against the flu:

1. Avoid large crowds. Makes sense.  The fewer people with whom you come into contact, the less likely you are to get their germs.
2. Wash your hands regularly. The virus is said to be able to live on hard surfaces for 24 hours. Sooo…. Yeah, wash your hands, and use hand sanitizer as often as you see fit. There is no overdoing it in flu season.
3. Strengthen your immune system. In addition to a healthy diet and multivitamins, getting adequate rest is also beneficial to fighting off infections.
4. Clean hard surfaces. This includes toys, door knobs, light switches, etc.
5. Visit the doctor of symptoms worsen.

Those are small steps to make to keep yourself and others healthy.