Flu Outbreak Prompts Pflugerville School To Close

PFLUGERVILLE, TX — Officials at a private high school in Pflugerville have ordered the campus closed through the end of the week after nearly 30 percent of the student body took ill with the flu, according to reports.

All told, 35 students out of 121 and three staff members at Concorida High School at 1500 Royston Lane called in sick on Monday. Most of the absentees cited flu as the reason for their absence, the principal told media outlets.

The Austin American-Statesman reported that the trend first emerged in earnest on Friday, when 18 students were out sick. That mass exodus at the private Lutheran school prompted crews to fully sanitize the entire building, with special attention placed on classrooms and doorknobs where a high level of traffic occurs daily, according to the report.

The efforts may have come too late, as more students stayed home or left school before the end of classes after taking ill, according to the report. Classes now are scheduled to resume Feb. 5 after maintenance crews disinfect the entire campus clean.

KXAN reported that practices for sports, the drama team and the Science Olympiad team will still run as scheduled, and sporting games are also set to still take place. But the school has postponed its winter formalthat had been scheduled on Friday to a future, undetermined, according to the report.

“Today we have called a local doctor, the health department, the accreditation commission, administrators at Lutheran and public schools, and TAPPS [the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools] trying to gather enough information to make an informed decision based on facts and respected recommendations,” a note sent to parents read.

Students won't be penalized for the absences given the outbreak, school officials assured. The outbreak comes amid one of the strongest flu seasons in recent years, with more than 20 flu-related fatalities reported in Travis County alone. One particular strain of influenza has proved especially susceptible to vaccinations this season, leading to heightened concern among health officials who say the flu season this year could stretch as late as April.

Related stories:

Travis County Flu Deaths Rise To 20

Flu Cases In Williamson County 'Moderate, But Increasing'

While they prepare to re-open their school, Concordia High School officials are offering students tips on how to avoid catching the flu. Among these suggestions: Washing hands often; using elbow bums rather than shaking hands when greeting one another; not sharing drinks; sneezing into ones sleeve at the elbow; and more.

Photo via Centers for Disease Control

Health officials, including those regionally, urge people to get the flu shot. While the vaccination may not protect fully from acquiring influenza, it does yield a preventive dynamic and/or makes symptoms less severe.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips as well. To that end, they offer on their website:

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

"The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu," CDC officials wrote. "There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu."

• Avoid close contact.

"Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too."

• Stay home when you are sick.

"If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others."

• Cover your mouth and nose.

"Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick."

• Clean your hands.

"Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub."

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

"Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth."

• Practice other good health habits.

"Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food."

On their website, CDC officials also provide a number of downloadable flyers and posters designed to educate people on avoiding the flu ideal for use by community and public settings as well as health care facilities. Check out those educational materials by clicking here.

>>> Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash