The seasonal flu is back again with the number of deaths from the flu in the Bay Area rising to 29 as of Wednesday, Jan. 22.

This year’s flu has been identified as Type A, subtype H1N1 which is also known as the “swine flu”. This strain has been different from others since it seems to be targeting younger and healthier people.

Although the Upper School has stayed relatively clear from the flu, people should still stay cautious of their surroundings. Upper School nurse Clare Elchert said, “Winter season is not over yet, and neither is flu season.”

Even though the flu is said to target young and adolescent individuals, the last two deaths were a man in his 30’s and a man in his 50’s both of whom were unvaccinated. The flu deaths started with a 41 year old woman from the Santa Clara County who passed away shortly before Christmas. Ever since then, the toll has increased with fifteen people hospitalized. Although there have been many deaths, health officials have stated that the flu season has not seen its peak yet.

Common symptoms for the flu are a 100 degree or higher fever or a sore throat, runny noses, headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue, and nausea.

“If you have a fever at night, you probably have the flu,” said Upper School Nurse, Clare Elchert.

If you have any symptoms of the flu people should stay at home to prevent anyone else from getting the flu.

Some tips to stay clear from the flu are to constantly wash hands, cover mouths when coughing, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

It is also highly suggested that people go get the flu shot. Even if the flu shots do not fully help prevent the flu, they will definitely expedite the recovery process. Local clinics and pharmacies including Palo Alto Medical Foundation Urgent Care, CVS, and Walgreens administer flu shots.

The seasonal flu is back again with the number of deaths from the flu in the Bay Area rising to 29 as of Wednesday, Jan. 22.

This year’s flu has been identified as Type A, subtype H1N1 which is also known as the “swine flu”. This strain has been different from others since it seems to be targeting younger and healthier people.

Although the Upper School has stayed relatively clear from the flu, people should still stay cautious of their surroundings. Upper School nurse Clare Elchert said, “Winter season is not over yet, and neither is flu season.”

Even though the flu is said to target young and adolescent individuals, the last two deaths were a man in his 30’s and a man in his 50’s both of whom were unvaccinated. The flu deaths started with a 41 year old woman from the Santa Clara County who passed away shortly before Christmas. Ever since then, the toll has increased with fifteen people hospitalized. Although there have been many deaths, health officials have stated that the flu season has not seen its peak yet.

Common symptoms for the flu are a 100 degree or higher fever or a sore throat, runny noses, headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue, and nausea.

“If you have a fever at night, you probably have the flu,” said Upper School Nurse, Clare Elchert.

If you have any symptoms of the flu people should stay at home to prevent anyone else from getting the flu.

Some tips to stay clear from the flu are to constantly wash hands, cover mouths when coughing, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

It is also highly suggested that people go get the flu shot. Even if the flu shots do not fully help prevent the flu, they will definitely expedite the recovery process. Local clinics and pharmacies including Palo Alto Medical Foundation Urgent Care, CVS, and Walgreens administer flu shots.

This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on Jan. 27, 2014