LAWRENCE — School nurses are often on the frontlines when kids get sick. As influenza cases continue to climb, the main thing a Lawrence school nurses tells us she is seeing is influenza.
Michelle Weber’s clinic at Forest Glen Elementary in MSD of Lawrence Township is busy this flu and cold season.
“We’re definitely seeing lots of little kids and their bodies are handling it and they’re spreading it around,” Weber said.
The school nurse notes right now, she is seeing lots of Influenza A cases among students. Her first case of the season was back in September.
“If we have a positive case of flu reported to me I then need to go back and look at other students in my classrooms. I do have immunocompromised students that i need to inform their parents that they had exposure,” Weber said.
Flu spread is “very high", according to theIndiana Department of Health. In its latest flu report, 66% of flu cases are in Hoosiers 24-years-old and younger.
When it comes to hospital beds, data provided by the Indiana Hospital Association shows, are filling up. IHA reports 60% of inpatient and 65% of ICU pediatric beds are occupied.
“We’re concerned the numbers will continue to rise the next few weeks especially if we head into the Christmas season,” Shandy Dearth with IU’s Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health said.
The big push from Weber and local experts is the same — stay home when sick, wear a mask if you’re sick and practice good hand washing.
“’Tis the season for taking precautions, I guess, is what I would say to people,” Regenstrief Institute’s Dr. Brian Dixon said.
As for Weber, she said she is prepared for whatever may come next.
“We’re on the frontlines. We usually see the patient before the doctor see them or we’re the people guiding them to the doctor, so those doctor’s offices are full because of us,” Weber said.
-
City-County Councilors make Million Dollar choice: Parks or Roads
All 25 members of the Indianapolis City-County Council were allowed to allocate $ 1 million to a park or a street project in their district.
Arsenal Tech students rebuilding 1951 Chevy, preparing for work after graduation
Students have been working on a 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe. They joined the program because of their interest in cars and as a way to be successful after graduation.
Old Marion County Jail now fenced off in preparation for demolition
The former Marion County Jail in downtown Indianapolis is now completely empty. Crews are now working hard to prepare the building for its final days.
Ford agrees to pay up to $165 million for moving too slowly on a recall
Ford Motor Co. has agreed to pay a penalty of up to $165 million to the U.S. government for moving too slowly on a recall.
