Flu Epidemic Strikes Parkway North

At Parkway North, the New Year hype is being consumed by the flu epidemic. The student body, as well as the staff, is being affected by this outbreak that is crossing America.

“It takes additional time to organize materials and catch students up on class activities. For example, students miss quizzes which can be made up, but class discussions can’t, as students miss out on some important information” said English teacher Jeff Church.

The flu outbreak is slowing down the progression of classes, which not only affects the bed-ridden students, but their fellow classmates as well as the teachers.

“I missed all my finals because of the flu. I had to come on Jan. 2, the last day of winter break, to complete all my finals,” said senior Gabrielle Christianson.

Junior Jessica Dyson would like to qualify for the A+ program, a scholarship program that awards two free years at a community college. Due to her overwhelming sick days caused by the flu, she has lost hope of reaching the 95% cumulative attendance minimum to qualify for the A+ program. To attain a general education at Meramec Community College it cost $5,580, which Dyson will have to pay out of pocket due to the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Thirty states are reporting high levels of flu-like symptoms, with another eleven reporting moderate levels.

“It hasn’t affected me personally, but I know its been the highest outbreak in ten years, and some of my friends have it,” said freshman Josh Zimmerman.

People who are sick should stay home 24-hours after the fever is gone, wash their hands frequently, and cough and sneeze into their sleeve.

Written by Jordyn Werre — Staff Writer