WMS nurse: 49 cases of swine flu

The Watertown Middle School has had many cases of H1N1. Teachers and students alike have been struck by the swine flu. There have been in 49 cases in the school so far, according to the WMS school nurse, and many more are expected.

To help stop the spread, Watertown has had clinics where children could get the swine flu vaccine for free. The first clinic was a huge success and the line stretched out the door.

The school nurse, Lillian Brooks, is concerned about the swine flu. She said that there will be a clinic at the WMS for Grades 6-8. But the vaccine is not the only way to protect yourself from the swine flu. You must wash your hands thoroughly a few times each day. Also, cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hand.

When asked about shutting down the school because of swine flu, assistant principal Jason Del Porto said, “The school would not shut down because of how many students have the virus. It would only shut down if a large amount of teachers got H1N1.”

Also he hinted that he may have had the swine flu, but that he was not scared.

Brooks said there are a few swine flu symptoms to look out for, including sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting. Also, if you have a temperature greater than 100 combined with those symptoms, go to the doctor because you very well may have swine flu.

–Nov. 22, 2009–