Flu Season Hits Leominster

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Sydney Getty, Reporter

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a very contagious disease that can spread typically more in the late fall to early winter months, according to www.verywellhealth.com .  This year is no different. Countless students have been absent as we approach February vacation and many have reported flu-like symptoms.

We recently spoke with Leominster High School nurse Colleen Torres about flu  symptoms and how to protect yourself.

Upon being asked what the symptoms of the flu are, she said “the flu doesn’t necessarily have a fever.
They present with a cough, chills, body aches. Any of those symptoms we tend to send home.”

As for the flu rate this year,Torres says that she has seen a lot of flu-like symptoms, and has
sent students home, but not many confirmed cases of the flu. Ms. Torres unfortunately did not
know if the rates of the flu were higher or lower compared to last year.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu, Torres suggests hand-washing, staying
away from someone who has it, and if you’re experiencing symptoms, to stay home and don’t
come back until you feel better.

For more information, you can see the nurse anytime from 7:30am- 2:15pm Monday through
Friday. For more information on the flu, see the Center for Disease Control at cdc.gov.