Schools try to fight off flu

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The flu season arrived early this year. The battle against the bug is on.

But the only thing spreading around Indianapolis Public Schools right now is flu prevention techniques.

At IPS School 2 students are being taught an ounce of hand sanitizer is worth a pound of cure. The kids are on a mission to avoid the flu.

“It makes you sick and sometimes it makes you throw up,” said third-grader Zoe Suess.  

Before lunch each day, students stop by a special table and sanitize their hands. It's one of many flu prevention measures students are taking. 

“Wash your hands and once you touch something that has been used, don't touch your face, eyes or mouth,” said student Darcy Williams.

And “always use hand sanitizer when you go out to recess or after recess,” said student Allan Williams.

Students are not alone when it comes to fighting off the bug. Between lunch periods, staff members wipe down cafeteria tables and benches to cut down on germs. And teachers are on the lookout for early signs of the flu.

“When they notice their students are not feeling well, they have their heads on their desk or they are acting lethargic, if they've been coughing and sneezing a lot they send them down to the school nurse,” said principal Andrea Hunley.

School staff and parent volunteers are working together to wipe down the school computers which are shared between students.

The school district says it is focused on flu prevention. But when it comes to the battle of the bug, the district is asking parents to help fight the fight. 

“If your student is ill, please keep them at home until they are better or you have had a chance to see your health care provider,” said IPS spokesperson John Althardt.