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High Number Of Flu Cases Closes Two Schools In Haskell County

(KSFM)-Two schools in Haskell County have closed, saying the number of students with the flu is hurting classes. Keota Public School officials report 13 student...

(KSFM)-Two schools in Haskell County have closed, saying the number of students with the flu is hurting classes.

Keota Public School officials report 13 students and staff are out with the virus. The superintendent of McCurtain Public Schools said seven kids plus some parents are sick, and three students have pneumonia.

Alma school administrators said flu cases there were higher before Christmas break, but absences have since dropped for them. During Assistant Superintendent Ronnie Newton’s 35 years with the district, he said the school has never had to close, but they are prepared.

“We`ve come close a couple of times when our numbers of absentees were quite high,” Newton said.

In the case they would have to cancel classes, they have an emergency system to notify parents via text, phone call or email.

“We`re hoping that maybe we don`t have another round of flu, but of course that`s always possible,” Newton said.

The closed schools in Southeast Oklahoma both plan to re-open on Monday (Jan. 26), after buildings are sanitized.

If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, MediSav Homecare Pharmacy, located at 8820 Rogers Ave. in Fort Smith, will be hosting a free flu-clinic with Coleman Pharmacy 3610 Grand Ave. next week.

“It’s just a drop-in,” Keith Larkin, MediSav owner said. “We have about 500 flu shots left that we want to donate to the community, and it’s first come, first serve.”

Both pharmacies will be distributing the vaccines Jan. 27, 28 and 29 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Larkin said to bring your insurance card if you have one, but they won’t turn anybody down.

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