Last week, we reported that Middle Tennessee was experiencing elevated levels of influenza-related illness, causing several counties to cancel classes. While counties around Williamson, such as Maury, Wilson, Dickson, Smith and Dekalb Counties canceled school in the previous week, Williamson County Schools and Franklin Special School District have not had to cancel classes yet.
Despite that, a local private school has seen a large uptick in absences due to illness. Franklin Christian Academy, at 818 Old Charlotte Pike, will be closed on Wed, Feb 22nd, due to unusually high illness rates in both the student body and the faculty and staff. On Tuesday, they reported that 16% of the student body was out sick and 25% of the faculty was out due to illness.
The latest flu map from the CDC shows high levels of Influence Like Illness (ILI) in Tennessee. Tennessee has been in the high category for the last three weeks:
How to Stay Healthy:
- It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Flu vaccination may make your illness milder if you do get sick, and can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization including among children and older adults.
- Frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap
- Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you.
- Use disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces at home, so as to help stop the spread of germs
- Take extra care to not touch your mouth, eyes, or nose without washing your hands first.
