District keeping close watch on flu concerns

So far this school year the Farmington R-7 School District has experienced low numbers of absenteeism as a result of students being diagnosed with flu-like symptoms.

District attendance rates are comparable to previous years, school officials report. Cases of flu-like symptoms reported to the district by parents and medical personnel have primarily been found to be Type A Influenza.

According to the St. Francois County Health Department the area is experiencing only a slight increase in the number of influenza type illnesses reported by all schools in the county. The Farmington school district is following guidelines set by the federal Center for Disease Control and the health department, which include asking that students stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever — 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius — or symptoms of a fever (chills, feel very warm, have flushed appearance or are sweating).

Earlier this school year information was sent home regarding the symptoms of H1N1 along with precautionary steps. Basic hygiene practices include washing hands regularly and covering the mouth and nose with a shirt sleeve or tissue when coughing or sneezing. This helps to minimize the spread of flu germs.