FLU: And what to do

According to the article “Flu Cases on the Rise (Jan. 8),” “influenza positivity rates rose 18 percent over the last two weeks” and hospitalizations increased in North Idaho… In Spokane County, four deaths are attributed to flu this season, and 89 people have been hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed flu.”

Students are exposed, every year, to this virus and many other sicknesses every day they are on campus. It will inevitably spread to other students and the cycle continues. Why? Because they need to go to class or risk getting docked points for nonattendance, whether they are contagious or not. Even the Panhandle Health District suggests “stay[ing] home when sick and don’t return to work until 24 hours after a fever is gone.”

What is the remedy? I will address two possible solutions.

Firstly, and most simply, we need to educate the students on the importance of hand washing and keeping their hands out of their eyes, nose and mouth. This sounds childish, but even as a student myself, I need to be reminded sometimes.

The second solution would require more work, but would be more effective. I suggest the use of a virtual classroom or conference video. There are many companies (such as Zoom) who offer this service for free! This would allow students to stay home, but still attend the lecture. I believe one or both of these solutions would greatly reduce the flu season and the spreading of disease.

C.C. MORGANSON

Athol