Putnam City Schools Remind Parents To Leave Sick Kids At Home

It's a simple message from Putnam City Schools:

Keep kids home if they are sick.

That message in particular was a proactive
move on the school nurse's part.  She
came in yesterday and thought hmm theres more students in here than normal,
said Steve Lindley, spokesperson for the district

The automated message went to parents at Putnam City North High School.

Lindley said many students have been out since flu season started.

At this time of the year our absences are higher than they were last
year.

Lindley said the message is an attempt to prevent a flu outbreak. While PC
North is the only one to put out the message, all schools in the district are
taking precautions.

We've increased the disinfecting of our classrooms. We've also
increased the disinfecting of our school buses. It used to be we did it once a
day now we do it after every route.

I think its a great idea for schools to reinforce to parents that when
their kids are ill they should stay home so they dont spread any illness in
their school, said Becky Coffman, an epidemiologist for the State Department
of Health.

Coffman said  with so many kids in
one place, schools can be a breeding ground for the flu.

If you're within 3-6 feet while theyre coughing or sneezing they're
respiratory droplets can land on you.

She's on board with the message Putnam City Schools is sending but also
encourages parents to take other precautions.

Its always important to encourage and teach and reinforce on an
ongoing basis of good hand hygiene.

Above all Coffman strongly recommends one thing.

Its important people get the flu vaccine. Its the most important
prevention we have.

Lindley agrees and adds this to keep others from getting sick.

Stay home if youre sick. Don't spread it to other people.

Posted: Tuesday, January 15 2013, 10:32 PM CST