It’s been a rough winter in northeast Ohio, and Akron Public Schools nurses are feeling it.

Between bitter cold snaps and back-to-back snow days, flu season has taken a toll on younger students, especially preschool and elementary kids who are more vulnerable to viruses this time of year.

School nurses across the district say flu-like symptoms: headaches, stomach aches, fevers and persistent coughs, are the most common reasons students are missing class right now. The challenge? Many illnesses share similar symptoms.

“You really don’t know exactly what they have until it’s assessed by a medical provider,” one APS nurse explained. Flu, colds, asthma flare-ups, pneumonia and seasonal allergies can all look similar in kids.

The district is especially focused on flu strains A and B, which tend to spread quickly in school settings. Younger children, who are still learning healthy hygiene habits, are naturally more susceptible.

So what’s being done? Nurses are reinforcing the basics: Wash hands frequently, stay home when sick, keep personal space when possible, cover coughs and sneezes.

Schools are also increasing sanitizing efforts, wiping down surfaces and disinfecting frequently touched areas throughout the day.

Parents play a big role, too. APS encourages families to monitor symptoms closely and keep children home if they’ve had a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea within the past 24 hours. Clear communication between families and school nurses helps determine when it’s safe for students to return.

The goal is simple: keep kids healthy and in the classroom.

Winter illnesses are common, but school officials say prevention, both at home and at school, makes a big difference in slowing the spread and protecting classroom learning time.

As this unpredictable winter continues, APS nurses remain on the front lines, working to keep flu season from sidelining even more students.