As flu season grips the state, many Oklahoma schools, including Sapulpa High School, are reporting a noticeable increase in student and staff illnesses, leading to rising absences across districts.
At Sapulpa High School, school officials have advised parents to monitor their children closely for flu symptoms and follow guidelines to help prevent the spread of illness. In a recent message to parents, Sapulpa High emphasized the importance of keeping students home when they exhibit symptoms such as fever (greater than 100°F), vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious infections like strep throat or pink eye. Specifically, the school encourages families to keep their students home for at least 24 hours after they have been fever-free without medication and 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports that flu activity is currently above baseline levels, with a statewide influenza positivity rate of 34.3%. Additionally, the rate of influenza-like illness in the state is 7.1%. As of January 25th, there have been 512 flu-related hospitalizations in Oklahoma, and health officials note a concerning trend: flu cases are climbing in the age group between 0-17 years old in December and January. In Region 4—which includes Creek County—there have been 63 hospitalizations in the past month from Influenza alone.
In response to these statistics, the Oklahoma Department of Health encourages the public to take preventive measures seriously, such as receiving the flu vaccine, practicing good hygiene (e.g., handwashing), and staying home when feeling ill. The flu vaccine remains the most effective tool in preventing severe illness, and health experts emphasize that it is not too late to get vaccinated this season.
The state of Oklahoma is currently experiencing higher-than-usual levels of flu activity, and schools like Sapulpa High School are feeling the effects firsthand. Health officials are urging everyone to take steps to reduce the risk of spreading the flu, including covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with others if showing symptoms.
For questions, Sapulpa High School reminds parents to contact the school nurse for further advice on managing illnesses and keeping the school community safe.
As we navigate this flu season, staying informed and proactive can help minimize disruptions and keep everyone healthy.
