As students come back into school, it is the peak of the sickness season. In the past few weeks, the level of respiratory illnesses has risen at RCHS and in the entire state of Virginia. According to the Virginia Department of Health, the level of respiratory illness in Virginia is currently high but trending down. The main illnesses that are going through the school systems are flu, RSV, and COVID, but flu is the highest.
In these winter months, people are more likely to get sick. According to MedStar Health, there are three main reasons why it is more likely to get sick in the colder months of the year.
First, germs spread easier indoors, which people spend more time in during the colder months. The time spent in smaller, more condensed spaces make it easier for viruses to spread from person to person.
Additionally, colder, and drier weather make it easier for viruses to travel through the air. Studies show that viruses, especially flu, travel better when the air is dry. And cold temperatures mean dryer air.
Lastly, cold temperatures can weaken and slow the immune system. More specifically, when your nose is cold, the virus attacking cells in the nose may not be working at full capacity. Therefore, people are more susceptible to sickness.
Penni Allen is the school nurse for RCHS. She explained the level of sickness at RCHS and when she suspects the level of students sick will be the highest.
“I would consider it a rise in respiratory illness, but would not consider it high as of yet. I foresee it increasing as we continue into the winter months. The number of flu cases are moderate in Rockbridge County and increasing according to the CDC. It probably will not peak until February or March,” Allen said.
Allen then explains what the school system has seen since the return in January.
“Since the return we have seen more GI symptoms. The number of visits to the ER for respiratory symptoms are increasing in our area. Flu cases across the state are considered high,” Allen said.
Staying healthy can be challenging when students are at school constantly. She then explains what students can do to stay healthy during the winter months.
“To stay healthy most important is proper handwashing especially before eating and after using the bathroom, keep hands away from face, flu vaccine, do not share any food or drink with others, proper nutrition, exercise and rest! And do not come to school if you are sick!” Allen said.
Overall, for RCHS, there has been a drop in attendance as the months have gotten colder. From Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, the percentage of students at school was 93.45%. Meanwhile, The percentage of students at school from Nov. 1 to Dec 19 was 92.60%. Although the decline in attendance was not substantial, the peak of the sickness season is not expected till late January to February, so there might be a greater drop in attendance then.
