People are sick, sick, sick, and they’re going home in droves.

Thursday, December 23, 1999

People are sick, sick, sick, and they’re going home in droves.

Austin Medical Center sent out a statement this week noting that a small epidemic of Influenza A has struck in Austin.

Teachers, parents and day-care workers could have told them that.

Janice Bramwell, secretary at Sumner Elementary School, reported more than 60 children were not at school Wednesday. While some of those were out to begin family holiday trips, she said, a large proportion were sick.

"It’s been a lot of them, and they’ve been very, very sick," Bramwell said. "We have had a lot go home ill."

St. Augustine’s Catholic School had the same problem, sending home several children a day this week with nasty flu symptoms.

A visit to the medical center will reveal a packed waiting room for acute care, full of people blowing noses and looking downright miserable.

Dr. Fred Bogott, medical director at Austin Medical Center, said in a statement that people should be aware of the strain and its complications and take precautions.

"Most people start with a sore throat, congestion, cough, body aches and a fever for three to six days," Bogott stated. "(They) should treat these symptoms at home with rest, lots of fluids and something for the fever such as acetaminophen, not aspirin."

The very young and the elderly are at greatest risk from complications from the flu, as their immune systems may be suppressed.

Many people are missing work around the area as well, and won’t be able to have the 10-day break the schools are about to embark upon. However, officials advised people who think they have the flu to stay home and rest, not only to get better themselves but to reduce the spread of the illness.

Bogott advised that even people who are basically healthy and get the flu can have complications and should watch for warning signs such as shortness of breath and large amounts of phlegm. If either of these symptoms should arise, they should call their doctor.