The Jan. 25 to Jan. 31 Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) Respiratory Surveillance Report indicated a high, but gradually reducing rate of influenza A and B. In Marshall County, two schools reported 10 percent of the student population had been out sick that week.

Those schools were East Marshall high and middle schools. Superintendent Kevin Seney said 16.8 percent of high school students had been absent due to illness, 16.11 percent of the middle school and 8.4 percent of those at the elementary.

Marshall County Public Health Director Sydney Grewell said it is difficult to say with certainty how often schools are struck with large amounts of students who are under the weather.

“Illness often begins in one school building and can spread to others, especially due to family dynamics such as older siblings or cousins attending different schools,” she said. “We also commonly see an increase in reports of 10 percent absenteeism following holidays, when people have been traveling or gathering. During these times, individuals may already be more fatigued, creating the perfect environment for viruses to spread more easily.”

Grewell did not know which specific illnesses caused the absences as the county does not directly diagnose or treat patients for those. COVID and influenza are not reportable diseases like measles or E.coli, she added.

“The state uses a series of metrics and data points like tests runs and symptoms reported from healthcare entities to try and estimate the severity of the illnesses around the state,” Grewell said. “This is why there is no specific county data. As you may have seen from the Iowa HHS report influenza activity is currently very high.”

Since schools tend to be hotbeds for illnesses and parents, she said students should be educated to wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after using the restroom and using hand sanitizer after blowing their noses or coughing. Parents should send their kids to school with their own water bottles so they can avoid touching the drinking foundations and keep them home when sick. If a child has influenza, they should be free of a fever for 24 hours without the use of any medicine.

Grewell recommended that school staff disinfect high-touch surfaces in classrooms or offices and encourage students to be diligent in making healthy choices to avoid missing school.

The same advice applies to Marshall County residents.

“It is always best practice to speak with a health professional, especially if you are ill,” she said. “Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, rest often and consider over the counter pain relievers to help alleviate symptoms such as fevers, headaches or achiness.”

Of course, getting the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent becoming sick with those illnesses. Currently, Grewell said 34 percent of Marshall County residents have received their annual flu shots.

“While these vaccines may not always prevent infection entirely, they are proven to significantly reduce the severity of illness — lowering the risk of hospitalization, complications and death,” she said. “People who are vaccinated tend to have milder symptoms and recover more quickly if they do get sick. Just as importantly, vaccination helps protect those in our community who are most vulnerable, including older adults, young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. By reducing how sick we get and how much virus we spread, we help ease the burden on families, workplaces, schools and our healthcare system.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.