TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Since last Fall, 12 million flu infections have led to more than 6,600 deaths in the United States, according to the CDC. These staggering numbers are being felt in East Texas classrooms as well.
East Texas doctors are seeing a surge of people come through their offices and schools said they’re seeing a dip in attendance.
“It started gradually and then has just hit us really, really hard,” Director of public relations for Palestine ISD, Larissa Loveless said. “Recently we’ve seen a drop about a 5% drop.”
Loveless said the school’s attendance typically sits at 96% but in the past few weeks has hovered at around 90%.
“We’ve had everything from intestinal stomach issues to cold allergy, flu-like symptoms and flu as well,” Loveless said.
Dr. Johnathan David with East Texas Community Clinic said they’re seeing several serious visits and that high numbers might stick around.
“This is the peak that we’ve seen so far. That could change and the peak could continue to rise in cases,” Davis said. “At least in our local clinic here, we’re seeing more acute visits right now than we have in previous months.”
They’re trying to keep spots open in their day for cases of type “A” and “B” flu, RSV and the common cold.
“We try to help patients out at a pretty quick turnaround, to get them in and out of the clinic, to get treated for these illnesses, especially in this season,” David said.
With three known illnesses going around, schools like Palestine ISD can only do their best to stay ahead of a surge of sickness to keep everyone healthy during the sick season
“One of our elementary campuses, our kindergarten and first grade campuses, have requested particular disinfectants being sprayed in their building and campus administration,” Loveless said.
Other schools in East Texas are also taking steps during this season to help slow the spread of germs. Trinidad ISD closed their doors on Friday to give time for additional cleaning and Carlisle ISD sent messages home to parents warning them to keep their children home if they are sick.