Illness affecting SDOC

An illness is making its way through the School District of Oconee County.  Superintendent Dr. Mike Lucas has been bitten by the bug and offers this advice to parents of sick kids.  “First of all it is that time of year and it seems like the flu season has hit us a little early.  I have been hearing from principals that it has been rough with teachers and even substitute teachers in the school system.  We normally have about 3% of our students absent, it has been running about double that at 7 to 8% absent, and I know West-Oak High School was even higher at 11%.  So, my advice is if your child has a fever keep them home, that is critically important because any time children have fevers they are likely to spread a virus and we ask that parents do that.” The School District is taking steps to reduce the spread of viruses in schools and Dr. Lucas says parents can take similar steps at home. “We are doing things in the school to make sure doorknobs, computer keyboards, telephones, all those things that frequent touch places are disinfected and that is something that a parent can do in their own homes with the wipes and different things to disinfect those high touch areas.  Let’s hope we get through it, we’ve got a few more weeks till we get out for the holidays and hopefully these viruses can run their course and we will be in for the long haul in 2013.” Everyone is encouraged to wash their hands during flu season to reduce the spread of germs.  Also, avoid touching your hands to your face and use hand sanitizer whenever possible to stay healthy this flu season.