Sanford school forced to close by flu
SANFORD, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Lee Christian School in Sanford says it has been forced to close for two days because so many students have come down with the flu.
A bright red paper hangs on the door the school that reads "Parent Advisory! LCS is experiencing a high number of students ill with the flu! We will be closed Thursday & Friday!"
Parents received a text message Tuesday evening warning of the school's closure. Over 40 students are confirmed to have the flu in facility that educates just under 400 pupils.
"Wednesday when we got here, so many people didn't show up that they said that they weren't keep attendance, so most people went home," said student Hannah Garner.
"I think if they hadn't closed down the school we would all be sick," offered student Mekenan Williams.
The school hiring a professional cleaning company to clean the building and aid in the elimination of the flu's spread.
Various activities are also cancelled.
Williams also said she is remaining proactive in her attempts to avoid the flu.
"Staying away from everybody, sanitizing and washing my hands, not touching things that people have touched," she explained.
After a slow start, flu season in North Carolina has really picked up recently.
North Carolina health officials said there have been 126 flu-related death this flu season.
Those who are especially at risk for flu-related complication include women who are pregnant, adults older than 65, children younger than 5, and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Doctors encourage people to take the following preventive steps from contracting the flu:
- Get a flu shot
- Wash hands frequently, preferably with soap and water or an approved hand sanitizer
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- If you are sick, stay home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours
- Avoid close contact with sick people
For more information on flu and to find out where you can get a flu vaccination in your community, visit www.flu.nc.gov.
