Take your medicine and get some sleep, pneumonia is going around at Hinsdale Central. Within the past couple of weeks attendance has been down and fevers have been up at Hinsdale Central. 

Many kids are contracting pneumonia and it is mostly being spread airborne. Whether it is by coughing, sneezing or talking the close corners at Hinsdale Central are making this disease spread quicker. 

The most significant symptoms of the disease are coughing, fever, shortness of breath and chest pain. 

“I was gone from school for three days and bedridden the whole time,” said Katelyn Hernandez, senior. 

This was a common theme among most students, having to stay at home due to the symptoms. Not only is it affecting their health, but it is affecting their grades.

“When I was out sick, I missed three tests and multiple assignments, it has taken me over a week to catch back up,” said Olivia Chlebek, senior.

It is not a disease anyone wants to contract but there are many ways to prevent yourself from getting it. Health experts suggest washing your hands, getting vaccinated, eating healthy, exercising and most importantly keeping your distance from other people. 

The nurse’s office has had students come in with symptoms since October.  

“Coughing, fatigue and ever since October, we see at least 1 student a week getting it,” said Mrs. Perea, school nurse. “Most of the time we hear about them [students] having it after they have already gone to the doctor.” 

“I try to make sure I am at least a couple of feet apart from everyone at all times,” said Joao Lorenco, senior. 

To learn more about Pneumonia go to https://www.cdc.gov/