Flu Outbreak Affects Hundreds At Stafford High School

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA —A flu outbreak at Stafford High School has affected hundreds of students, the school system said. On Tuesday, 526 of the school's 2,100 students were absent.

On Friday, about 1,000 students missed school. Health department officials said many students tested positive for influenza A and more show other flu-like symptoms.

Health department officials recommended that the school cancel weekend activities due to the outbreak. Most extracurricular activities have resumed, though athletic competitions with other schools are still on hold.

Sandra Osborn, the chief communications officer for Stafford County Public Schools, told Patch that the school system would reassess interscholastic sporting events on Tuesday afternoon.

"The coming months are likely to be a challenging flu season. If you have not already received your flu shot, we recommend receiving it as soon as possible," the Rappahannock Area Health District said in a release about the outbreak. "Flu shots are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months, and they are widely available at pharmacies and doctor’s offices locally."

On Monday, the Virginia Department of Health warned that this year's flu season could be worse than recent years.

Read more: VA Flu Season Could Be Worse Than Past Years

Health officials are also raising concerns about the respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV and a respiratory illness that commonly spreads among kids during the winter.

This year, the Virginia Department of Health noted more people have been seeking care for flu-like illnesses in urgent care centers and hospitals than past years in the early part of the flu season. Health officials noted the trend has especially centered around children aged under 1 to 4 years old. The Virginia Department of Health is monitoring flu activity through a weekly report.

Common flu symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms more common in children than adults. CDC says most people experience mild flu illness and should stay home and avoid contact with others. However, those who feel very sick or are at higher risk of complications can contact their health care provider and may seek influenza antiviral drugs.