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 a not so typical strand of pneumonia called ‘walking pneumonia’. According to the CDC, “the bacterial infections caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae have been rising, particularly in young children, since the spring, with cases reaching their highest in months in late August.” The symptoms of the disease are varying in severity depending on the person; however, 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. The symptoms are pretty significant and are making students feel pretty under the weather. Given that it’s a bacteria strand, most students who have been sick with it received antibiotics.
“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 3 tests and multiple assignments, it has taken me over a week to catch back up,” said Olivia Chlebek, senior.
It definitely 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, exercise and most importantly keep your distance from other people.
“I try to make sure I am at least a couple of feet apart from everyone at all times,” said Joao Lourenco, senior.
The nurses office has had students come in with symptoms since October.
“Coughing, fatigue and ever since October, we see at least one student a week getting it,” said Mrs. Lisa Perea, school nurse. “Most of the time we hear about them [students] having it after they have already gone to the doctor.”
Given how it’s a respiratory disease, healthcare workers suggest covering your cough and being aware of the symptoms in case you have to stay home.
To learn more about pneumonia go to https://www.cdc.gov/
