In any class you walk into to, you will  hear many sniffles and coughs, and see many empty desks. “Attendance has dropped significantly,” said Dawn Baxter.  This is due to many different types of illnesses like flu, strep, and colds that are spreading through Holt like wild fire. This is not just at Holt. St. Dominic had to cancel school due to an alarming number of students who came down with the flu.

Here are some ways you can survive through this dreadful sick season:  

1. Wash your hands! This is obvious, but it is very important. Many things you touch during the school day are things many other students have touched, so it is important to wash your hands, especially before lunch and as soon as you get home.
2. Get a lot of rest. Your body is more susceptible to germs when it is worn out and tired, so make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
3. Eat healthy. When you eat healthy, you give your body what it needs to fight off illnesses. Many people take vitamins to get their vitamins and minerals, but vegetables are the best way to get the nutrients needed to fight off illnesses.
4. De-stress. When you are stressed out, it suppresses your immune system and prevents it from effectively fighting off the illness.
5. If you are sick, take a sick day. Sleeping and resting will help your body fight away the illness. It will also keep the germs from coming into the school.
6. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. You’ve heard this many times, but it is so important, and sometimes people forget. Coughs can be spread up to 20 feet and sneezes can travel up to 26 feet.