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It's all flu to you!

Williamson High School shut down with 22-25% absenteeism

When last Wednesday's absenteeism numbers began to climb, Williamson Assistant Superintendent of Schools Wendy Havens consulted the District's physician. By Thursday, the decision was made that, perhaps to stem the tide of the respiratory/high fever spread among students and faculty, the high school should close and give the viral strain time to subside.

The school took the opportunity on Thursday afternoon and Friday to thoroughly clean and disinfect classrooms and common areas.

According to Havens, between 22-25% of the high school student body was absent and 12 staff members had called in sick by Thursday. The assistant Superintendent hoped the long weekend would quell the viral spread.

Diane Devlin, the Supervising Nurse for the Wayne County Health Department said the cases of flu, that usually begin to decline with the approach of Spring, have actually risen.

According to Devlin, the number of people receiving flu shots this year was down from last flu season. About 1800 people took advantage of the flu shots, about half the yearly doses normally dispensed. Devlin said that people perhaps became a bit complacent with last year's mild flu season. She also stated that a number of area drug stores provided flu shots earlier this year.

Throughout the State, all 62 counties have reported flu cases in earl March, although no other school districts in Wayne County have yet hit the absenteeism at Williamson. Flu shots are still available for more information call the County Public Health at 946-5749.