The 2025 flu season has taken a toll. According to CDC, there have been 57 pediatric deaths, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 24 million illnesses so far.

“This is an extremely heavy flu season this year,” nurse Laura Arena said. “Partly because now that Covid is no longer a life-threatening event, people are out and about and germs like big crowds.”

Common symptoms of the flu include high fever, body aches, a sore throat, congestion, headaches, and in some cases, people may have a shortness of breath. Medical professionals look for signs of a fever first, and if that isn’t there, usually the flu is not present, but if it is, students may need to stay home and miss school. 

“So many people were absent and it made it really hard to get any work done,” senior Roberta Dancy said. “Classes were empty because everyone was sick.”

Students should avoid crowds or being around sick people if they are more prone to catching diseases, and have weaker immune systems. Hand washing, wearing a mask, and not sharing food can prevent germs from spreading. 

“Nightly cleaning, encourage good handwashing, provides masks as requested, encourage flu shots for all,” Arena said. “There are many people that do not get vaccinated for the annual flu, which definitely helps to prevent spread of infection.”

Students that have extracurricular activities that are time consuming and require full attendance, may find it difficult to participate if they are out sick. 

“I had it [the flu] for a long time,” junior Jessica Lee said. “It interfered with my schoolwork and with dance.”

Although staying out of school when sick is suggested, teachers sanitizing their classrooms can prevent further absences. If all students are careful of their surroundings as well as hygienic, there would be less flu cases around the school, and as a result, less absences. 

“I’ve never seen that many people get the flu and for that long too,” Dancy said. “Everyone was coughing and getting fevers.”