Fever. Chills. Aches.  Oh my!

For numerous students at LCHS, the flu epidemic is hitting home.  Both Flu A and Flu B have been confirmed in Lewis County. Dr. Rob Snuffer says that the flu was at a climb but now it’s at a plateau and flu A is the most common in this area.

If caught early, students can take Tamiflu which helps reduce the severity and symptoms of the flu.  Most students are being told to stay home, rest, stay hydrated, and take care of the symptoms with fever/pain relievers.

The flu is hitting in pockets throughout the school.  The latest group to get the flu was the JV/Varsity Basketball team.  The team was short four players for the Nicholas County game Feb. 5.

One of the reasons for the increase is that the flue strain vaccine was only about 10 percent effective of those who got the shot.

The flu season is reportedly at the half-way point with ten weeks still remaining.

The flu is officially at an epidemic level, with 53 kids dying this flu season; 80 percent of the kids who died from the flu or its complications, did not have a a flu shot .

Teachers said they felt the snow days, particularly over Christmas Break, helped to keep it from spreading as fast as it did in other states.

There are many ways to avoid the flu and doctors have been working hard to prevent the spread.  Here are some things you should follow:

• Keep your hands washed and/or use sanitizer often.
• Go to bed around a good time so you receive a full 8 to 10 hour rest.
• Eat healthy foods and drink things such as water and juices that have a good source of vitamins.
• Sanitize all of your belongings if possible.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth and nose.
• Make sure you cover your cough and sneeze and sanitize after blowing your nose.