Nov. 4--Absenteeism in Reno County schools dropped to 2.5 percent last week, its lowest level in a month. But health officials said that's not to be taken as a sign that the influenza threat has passed.

"Flu has a tendency to come and go and then reappear," said Reno County Health Department Preparedness Coordinator Bob Hickman.

Absenteeism had reached a high of 6.03 percent the week ending Oct. 23, when eight grade schools, two middle schools and one high school had more than 10 percent of their students out with illnesses.

Last week, the week ending Oct. 30, only one grade school and one middle school had absenteeism exceeding 10 percent, though two grade schools and one high school were close, at better than 9 percent.

Hickman said that 30 of the county's more than 40 schools had reported their absenteeism rates to him as of Tuesday afternoon.

Hickman said everyone should continue to take precautions by covering their coughs or sneezes with a tissue or by coughing into their shoulder or elbow; washing hands frequently; eating a well-balanced diet; and getting plenty of rest. And if you do become ill, stay at home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication.

Certain priority groups can get the H1N1 vaccine at a flu clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Reno County Health Department, 209 W. Second Ave. Those eligible to get the vaccine at the clinic are pregnant women, parents and day care providers of infants under 6 months of age, and siblings under 5 years old residing with infants. Children under 6 months cannot be vaccinated, so the goal is to protect them by vaccinating those around them, Hickman said.

Members of the priority groups can make an appointment to get the vaccine by calling 694-2900 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Friday.

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RENO COUNTY SCHOOL ABSENTEEISM

Week Ending: Rate:

Oct. 9 2.84%

Oct. 16 4.92%

Oct. 23 6.03%

Oct. 30 2.5%

--Absenteeism averaged just over 1 percent for the six weeks before the school week of Sept. 28 to Oct. 2.

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