Influenza outbreak across U.S.
A fever is a very common symptom when having the flu. Although a fever is technically anything above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, medically it is not usually a problem until it is above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
This flu season has had a major outbreak as there have been approximately 20,000 deaths this far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The first symptoms usually begin with a fever, sore throat, fatigue, body aches and more.
“I started out having horrible body weakness in my college class and could barely keep my head up,” senior Maddy Foy said. “When I got home, I went straight to bed and woke up with a cough and sore throat.”
During the higher stages of the flu season, it is best to get checked by a doctor even if the symptoms are not extreme.
“At first I just had a really runny nose and a super sore throat, so my mom just thought it was a normal cold,” sophomore Josh Burton said. “Two days later I went to the doctor and tested positive for Influenza B.”
Once tested positive for the flu, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment requires students to stay home for one week, or once fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.
“I was home from school for a total of three days as I could barely get out of bed because my body was so weak,” Foy said.
Ways to help reduce the pain from the illness are available.
“I used ice packs on my neck, drank honey for my throat, and took medicine regularly,” Foy said.
Senior Maddie Smart is a third year reporter for the Oriole, and this is her first year as a Co-Editor. Outside of the newspaper room, Smart is involved...
