Flu season is back in session and the students of PHS are falling victim to the virus at an unprecedented rate.

The outbreak has hit 48 states, including Arizona.

According to nurse Juleen Barth in the health office, PHS has had an average of 214 students absent with five going to the nurse and leaving with the flu per day.
Recently, Spanish teacher Rosinda Dipomazio has recovered from having the flu.

“It was horrible,” Dipomazio stated. “I was achy and my kids were also sick.”

Certain germs may be avoided with the assistance of hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial products at school, but certain regulations hinder this.

Hand sanitizer has been banned inside the classroom due to the claim that teens may use the cleaning tool to get intoxicated and possibly hospitalized for alcohol poisoning.

When asked about the ban on hand sanitizer, Principal Dan Serrano said, “I don’t like that, however, I am a (supporter) of hand sanitizer.”

He continued, “I understand it, but I wish we could still do that now especially with how many people are sick.”

Many students will have to remember that hand-washing is often an especially effective tool in avoiding many types of bacteria.

Oftentimes, students are not given advice about preventing these diseases from occurring by getting a flu shot.

The staff on campus is not required to administer recommendations concerning such matters, but students may receive advice from parents, family, friends, or other outside sources.

Tips that students may receive include washing hands with soap and water, covering mouths when sneezing or coughing, and getting the flu shot for this year.

Each year, influenza affects a multitude of people, and while it can be painful and uncomfortable, it affects everyone differently.