The Hoven School District canceled classes three straight days the last week of January because of illness.
Here's more on what kept everyone at home.

The Hoven Medical Clinic has been inundated with patients suffering from the flu.  Certified Nurse Practitioner Kathy Hettinger says Influenza A is going around and most of her patients are elementary aged students. 

40 kids, a third of the Hoven student body , were home with body aches and full-on flu symptoms last week. The Hoven Medical Clinic reported an epidemic of Influenza A has hit the district. It's a viral infection of the respiratory tract.

The largest group to come down with it are between the ages of 8 and 12.
A few 15 and 16 year olds.
Even fewer 3 to 6 year olds.

They've been coming in with a fever, headache, sore throat and a cough.  Since it's a virus, there is no medication for influenza a.. only fluids, rest, and Tylenol. Although the produce Tami-Flu is often times prescribed. 

Kathy Hettinger, CNP says, " I tell my patients to stay with Gatorade, Powerade, Pedialyte, 7-Up, Ginger-ale. Water and milk they should stay away from because it tends to either dehydrate them or thicken the secretions they are trying to cough up. "

Hettinger says because Influenza is so contagious, it makes sense it spread so fast since the kids are all in the same building. She says it's always smart to wash your hands often and cough in to your elbow.

School was back in session on January 31st after custodians disinfected everything, but they still have 40 kids call in sick that day. It can take a week to recover from the flu bug.

For more information check out www.averamckennan.com