Many of us have heard by now that Influenza – “the flu” – is widespread in the United States and in Iowa. Right now, Des Moines Public Schools is seeing an average amount of absences, but the flu season is not over.

DMPS Director of Health Services Diane Gladson, who directs all 60 DMPS school nurses, says the best defense is still the flu shot.

“It’s still not too late to get a flu shot,” Gladson said. “The shot provides important protection.”

The first stop for your flu shot can be your doctor’s office, but it is also offered at local pharmacies and through the Polk County Health Department.

Other advice from Gladson includes:

• Wash your hands often, especially if you are caring for someone who is sick.
• Protect others by staying home.
• See a doctor or call your pediatrician.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

While DMPS custodians, teachers and nursing staff are working hard to keep all 33,000 DMPS students and 5,000 employees as safe as possible by cleaning surfaces more often during flu season, the flu is primarily spread through droplets in the air from a cough or sneeze.

Staying home from school when illness strikes is essential to keeping others illness-free.