By Sebastian TRIPP, Intern

Classrooms and doctor’s offices have been busy this flu and cold season with patients complaining of body aches and runny noses. Although the flu season is coming to an end, there are still precautions that should be taken by both adults and kids.

“The best way to prevent the spread of sickness is to stay home until [students and adults] are well,” advised Dr. John Rodarte, a pediatrician with an office in La Cañada Flintridge.

It may seem like a logical reaction – you’re sick, so stay home; however, that is not always what happens. In a recent unscientific survey, students from Crescenta Valley High School were asked a few questions about their response to the cold and flu season.

Out of 14 randomly chosen students, 11 said they still attend school if they are sick. All of those students cited their decision to go to school was based on homework and how difficult it would be to make up the lost days. Of the three students who stated they did not go to school when sick, only one gave the reason of not wanting to spread the illness to others.

Thirteen randomly chosen students were asked if they felt school was a healthy place. Eight said no, five said yes.

And flu vaccinations are not necessarily the answer. The flu vaccinations that were administered in late 2014 and 2015 were actually for the wrong strain of flu that has been affecting people.

“It has been a busy year with influenza A,” Rodarte said in a previous interview with CVW.

The flu vaccine that many received prior to flu season did not cover both strains – “A” and “B” – that spread throughout Los Angeles County and the nation.

Although the number of flu cases seems to be slowing down, Rodarte still advises everyone, both children and adults, to cover their mouths when they cough, be aware of those who are sick around you, stay home if you are sick and see a doctor if you have any concerns.

  Sebastian TRIPP