PORT BYRON, Illinois -
The Rock Island County Health Department continues to wait for its shipment of H1N1 vaccine. While it should arrive any day, kids already are getting sick.
The swing set is silent in Port Byron. Outdoor toys are waiting for three kids. All of them are home sick with the flu.
"We got them to the family doctor," said Chris Sheldon. "They tested them, and they tested positive."
Riverdale schools are among many districts contending with sick kids. More than 200 students were absent on Tuesday. In a district of more than 1,100 students, it's an unusally high rate.
And Riverdale isn't alone. Schools in 23 Iowa counties are reporting an absence rate averaging 15% this week. That's as the largest number of H1N1 cases are hitting people between the ages of 5 and 24.
"The parents are doing exactly what we want them to do," said Riverdale Superintendent Ron Jacobs. "If they have a child that's sick, they're keeping them home."
Sheldon is among the Riverdale parents contending with the flu. Most likely, it's H1N1.
"All you can do is monitor the fever," he said. "If they struggle to start breathing or have a high heart rate, take them to the emergency room and the doctor will meet us in the E.R."
Health officials say it's not surprising that H1N1 is spreading in schools. The virus spreads from student to student, possibly to teachers and from students to families.
Places like Ericsson School in Moline are doing what's possible to keep kids healthy. It's a pro-active approach that starts with good hygiene. Riverdale Schools are keeping hand sanitizer available and working closely with the health department.
Sick Riverdale students are missing about a week's worth of classes. The district is recommending that they wait at least 24 hours symptom free before returning to school.
"While learning is a priority, it's difficult to duplicate the learning that takes place in a classroom on a day-to-day basis," Jacobs said.
When the H1N1 vaccine is available, Riverdale Schools are planning to offer the vaccination. Too late, though, for the Sheldon family.
"Unfortunately, mine got it," Sheldon concluded. "No reason to be upset about it. Just hope and pray they beat it."
Beat a flu that's taking a toll on area schools.
The swing set is silent in Port Byron. Outdoor toys are waiting for three kids. All of them are home sick with the flu.
"We got them to the family doctor," said Chris Sheldon. "They tested them, and they tested positive."
Riverdale schools are among many districts contending with sick kids. More than 200 students were absent on Tuesday. In a district of more than 1,100 students, it's an unusally high rate.
And Riverdale isn't alone. Schools in 23 Iowa counties are reporting an absence rate averaging 15% this week. That's as the largest number of H1N1 cases are hitting people between the ages of 5 and 24.
"The parents are doing exactly what we want them to do," said Riverdale Superintendent Ron Jacobs. "If they have a child that's sick, they're keeping them home."
Sheldon is among the Riverdale parents contending with the flu. Most likely, it's H1N1.
"All you can do is monitor the fever," he said. "If they struggle to start breathing or have a high heart rate, take them to the emergency room and the doctor will meet us in the E.R."
Health officials say it's not surprising that H1N1 is spreading in schools. The virus spreads from student to student, possibly to teachers and from students to families.
Places like Ericsson School in Moline are doing what's possible to keep kids healthy. It's a pro-active approach that starts with good hygiene. Riverdale Schools are keeping hand sanitizer available and working closely with the health department.
Sick Riverdale students are missing about a week's worth of classes. The district is recommending that they wait at least 24 hours symptom free before returning to school.
"While learning is a priority, it's difficult to duplicate the learning that takes place in a classroom on a day-to-day basis," Jacobs said.
When the H1N1 vaccine is available, Riverdale Schools are planning to offer the vaccination. Too late, though, for the Sheldon family.
"Unfortunately, mine got it," Sheldon concluded. "No reason to be upset about it. Just hope and pray they beat it."
Beat a flu that's taking a toll on area schools.
