Educational institutions are taking action in response to the impact of flu and other illnesses on student attendance

From Fort Worth to Garland, schools are facing challenges with student and teacher absenteeism due to illness. The spread of germs within school buildings has resulted in numerous absences.

Ezra Molina, a student at Dorsey Elementary School in Garland ISD, remarked on the noticeable absence of classmates. The situation is particularly concerning in elementary schools where students often work and sit closely together, sharing supplies like computers, scissors, and paste.

To combat the spread of illness, Garland ISD is utilizing high-tech sanitizing guns, which were heavily relied upon during the COVID-19 pandemic, to disinfect surfaces and combat germs as soon as illnesses are detected on campus. Renee Kotsopoulous, Health Services Director at Garland ISD, emphasized the importance of frequent sanitization, with plans to increase the frequency of cleaning to daily.

While February typically sees a rise in flu cases, this year is no exception. However, school administrators note that dealing with the flu has become somewhat easier post-COVID-19, as students and staff are more aware of the importance of cleanliness and hygiene practices.

Students like Amen Gosay emphasized the collective effort to maintain cleanliness in schools. However, educators stress the crucial role of parents in preventing the spread of illness by keeping sick children at home, regardless of missed school days. This collective effort is essential in combating the flu effectively.