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February 20 , 2025 The Beacon • 23
Flu cases and sickness on the rise this time of year
By Josie Sellers For The Beacon
The flu and other sicknesses seem to be currently hitting schools and communities hard .
“ We are seeing a significant rise in flu cases , not just in Coshocton County , but for the entire state of Ohio . Per the Ohio Disease Reporting System , there has been 18 influenza-associated hospitalizations from Sept . 29 , 2024 , to Feb . 1 , 2025 . We have also received reporting from the waste water treatment plant here in Coshocton that their testing has shown significant levels of influenza A ,” said Olivia Elson , health educator with the Coshocton Public Health District .
Kayla Davis , school nurse for River View , said the number of students out for illness right now is much higher .
“ Flu A , COVID , RSV , and gastrointestinal flu symptoms like nausea , vomiting , diarrhea are going around ,” she said .
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The Coshocton Public Health District shared these tips on Facebook on how to help keep yourself healthy and slow the spread of germs during flu season .
The symptoms seem to stick around for a while .
“ I think one thing parents need to be aware of is kids break their fever , feel better and get sent back to school . A fever returns , and symptoms seem to linger , so kids are not recovering as quickly ,” Davis said .
When kids stop in her clinic , she preaches “ hand washing , extra fluids like water , eating something more nutritional than a bag of Takis and plenty of rest .”
Laura Roberts , school nurse for Coshocton City Schools , said they also are seeing an uptick in illnesses .
“ We have had students test positive for influenza A , strep and a few COVID , but many also are coming back negative for testable illnesses ,” she said . “ I am fortunate to have the MVHC school-based clinic on our campus . They can test for flu , strep and COVID . They can prescribe the needed treatment or call medication to the pharmacy . It is here to help parents and guardians help with their busy schedules .”
Roberts said it is very important to practice good hygiene , follow doctor ’ s orders and stay home if you are sick .
“ Anyone with a fever is to remain home until they are fever free without medication for 24 hours ,” she said . “ Also , keep in touch with the school so that we are aware of what is going on with your student . I agree with nurse Davis that there seems to be a honeymoon period where the students are feeling better and then get hit again . Recovery is slow . If they are prescribed antibiotics , it is important to finish
the entire regimen . Mr . Meiser , our principal , has been reminding students and staff every morning with his announcements the importance of hand washing and covering your cough .”
Roberts recommends flu shots , and Davis suggests extra vitamins and cleaning but says there is still a chance that sickness will find you . “ The coughing and snotty noses and touching is inevitable ,” Davis said .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website , “ While seasonal influenza viruses are detected year round in the United States , flu viruses typically circulate during the fall and winter during what ’ s known as the flu season .”
Data collected over a 40-year period by the organization shows flu activity often peaks in February .
Elson said the Coshocton Public Health District has free flu test kits available in its main lobby Monday through Friday from 8 a . m . to 4 p . m . at 637 Chestnut St . in Coshocton .
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