WiNK

This year, the winter season has been full of sneezing and sickness. Connecticut has been named one of the "sickest" states this year, with large numbers of people coming down with the flu and other illnesses. One report found that "Connecticut landed at number one with 5.26 percent of users experiencing flu-like symptoms" (CT Post). In fact, half of the sickest states are found in the northeast. This makes sense, of course, due to the cold weather and dense populations. Historically, Connecticut is the third-worst state for the flu, so this is no surprise that this winter has this outcome. They also found that "The Stamford area is among the highest in the nation for doctor visits, and the highest of any city among the top 10 states" (CT Post). Flu is extremely common this time of year and many people may not know they have it. The test isn't even always correct, it isn't fully sensitive, so a false negative is very possible.

The Flu is not the only illness to be hitting our community, but Mono and Strep are going around. I guess all of that water bottle sharing has caught up to us! Both highly contagious at certain stages, it has been spread quickly. This seems to happen most winters when we are all inside and close together. Mono is spread strictly by saliva but strep and the flu can be spread through other types of contact so it can be difficult to avoid. This makes it important for everyone to wash their hands and stay home when they are contagious. Especially during the sports seasons, these illnesses spread quickly because we are sharing water bottles and come into close contact often.

When asked if there are more absent students than usual here at Wooster, Ms. Gilson, who does attendance, said, "There are more than usual - students and I believe faculty - absent due to bad colds, stomach upsets, flu and other winter maladies. Many of the area schools are also reporting a higher number of absences."

Families, like the Costigans, who have two home with strep and mono, now get to enjoy their time at home together! Families, like mine, are now bracing for impact, waiting for someone to come down with something!

https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Reports-Connecticut-flu-illness-14958939.php