Flu outbreak milder in Mat-Su

MAT-SU -- Despite school closures in the Lower 48 and scores of reported flu cases around the state, Valley schools appear to be faring well.

"We're okay so far," Mat-Su School District Public Information Director Kim Floyd said Friday. "I think every year, at this time, we have various viruses and bugs going around. We're not seeing it to the degree that Anchorage was impacted. So far, it's not different than any other year."

Dr. Beth Funk, THIS with the Alaska Office of Epidemiology, said Friday 157 cases of flu have been reported in Anchorage and the Mat-Su. That's only the number of reported cases, she said, which is reflective of the outcome of tests performed by area hospitals. Many people don't get tested, she said, and some hospitals were recently out of the rapid-detection tests used to diagnose the flu virus. Her office regularly tracks the number of reported cases, however, and records them on their Web site, found at www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/id.influenza/fluinfo.htm along with up-to-date recommendations about epidemics, preventative measures and other data.

Although Funk said the current outbreak of flu seems to be similar in numbers and strength to previous flu seasons, there is one complicating factor -- many local doctors' offices and clinics are restricting the distribution of flu vaccine.

Children between 6 and 23 months of age are still allowed to get the vaccine at public health offices and doctor clinics, she said, as are people 65 years of age and older, people with underlying chronic medical conditions and pregnant women in their second or third trimester.

Floyd said school district staff have been monitoring the Centers for Disease Control Web site to keep in line with any recommendations they offer, as well as monitoring what's taking place on the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS front. They're also evaluating what type of outbreak, an how widespread, would trigger school closures. Closing a school due to illness hasn't, Floyd said, been something the district has been faced with during her tenure, or in recent history. She credited awareness campaigns with keeping flu and other outbreaks to a minimum.

Faith Hundley, a school nurse at Palmer's Sherrod Elementary School, said nurses in schools throughout the district do germ prevention education at the beginning of each school year, then offer reminders to both teachers and parents throughout the year.

"Probably the biggest thing is hand washing," Hundley said. "Especially with kids."

Children are reminded often to use the sinks in their classrooms and restrooms, she said, and are continually reminded to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, and not to share drinks or lip balm. Although teachers and nurses try to prevent the spread of germs at school, that's not the only area germs live.

"They can contract it in school," Hundley said of the flu or other germs, "but it also travels in the air."

With the increased social schedule of many families during the holidays, children -- and adults -- may be exposed to more germs than normal. That's why it's important to remember other ways to keep immune systems running in top shape.

"Getting exercise and lots of sleep are probably the number-one ways," Hundley said, to boost immune systems. For that reason, the coming Christmas break may offer children a chance to recuperate and build up their immune system.

"I think when Christmas break happens, it gives a lot of kids a chance to rest," Hundley said.

That's not to say parents should wait until the weekend or a break to keep children home if they're sick. Hundley said she's sent quite a few of her students home with flu symptoms, both to keep down the spread of germs and to allow the child to recuperate.

Most parents know, Hundley said, when their child is too ill to attend school. There are a few guidelines she recommends -- children throwing up should go home, as should those with a fever over 100 degrees or children coughing to the point they're not able to focus or would cause a disturbance in the classroom. But overall, she said, parents are the ones best able to read whether their child should be sent to school.

"I think moms and dads can tell better than anybody when their child is ill," Hundley said.