Clinton’s public schools are experiencing a high number of absences as students report flu-like symptoms.
The district’s enrollment is 5,335. Last Friday, 555 children were absent including 230 at Clinton Junior High alone.
At Clinton Junior High, faculty and staff are taking additional preventive measures to stop the spread of illness within the school.
“We’ve been spraying door knobs and hallways regularly,” said Principal John Wallace. “We also hired a cleaning service this weekend to disinfect in classrooms and common areas.”
School district nurse, Renee’ Martin, encouraged frequent hand washing and not sharing food or drinks.
“Parents need to keep children at home if they have fever,” she said. “Students must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages anyone who is able to get an annual flu shot to do so, including students. Additional preventive measures include:
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throwing away the tissue and washing hands
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water or alternatively, using an alcohol-based hand rub
- Keeping clean any surfaces or objects that may be contaminated with germs
- If you’re sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to prevent the spread of illness
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
