School Absences Were Up as Flu Cases Peaked
Typically, less than 4 percent of students are absent at the high school but it got close to 10 percent earlier this month.
The absentee rate at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School rose to 9.4 percent earlier this month - more than double the usual rate. The increase was largely attributed to the elevated cases of influenza this year, said the Hamilton Board of Health. So far, 12 cases of flu have been formally reported in Hamilton, according to the Board of Health. The age of those with the flu have ranged from 4 months old to 82, with five cases in children under age 8 and one over age 65. Townwide, cases have been up, according to health officials. The last two flu season were very light. In early January, the absentee rate at the high school was 8.7 percent for the first week back from the holiday vacation and then rose to 9.4 percent for the week of Jan. …
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Michelle Bailey
10:54 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Thank you, Board of Health for providing easy access to free flu shots in Hamilton Wenham early in the season! more ›