Freshers' flu, caused by a mix of common cold viruses, is prevalent among students due to close contact, stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep during university orientation, making it hard to avoid and often more severe than typical colds. It spreads easily in crowded environments, and while usually mild, it can sometimes lead to serious infections like meningitis. Maintaining good hygiene, rest, and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk.
Two students at Klein Cain High School have been diagnosed with active tuberculosis, prompting health officials to conduct contact tracing and notify potentially exposed students' parents, while emphasizing that TB requires prolonged close contact to transmit and the affected students are receiving medical care and not on campus.
More than a third of schools in the United States do not have a full-time nurse on-site, leaving teachers and administrators to handle student health issues. The lack of school nurses is a result of the nation's overall nursing shortage, with schools struggling to attract and retain employees due to lower salaries and benefits compared to hospitals. School nurses play a critical role in keeping students healthy and ready to learn, administering medications, conducting health screenings, and serving as a public health point person. The absence of school nurses can lead to increased absences and hinder students' access to immediate healthcare.
Thirty-eight students at Prairie View A&M University in Texas were sent to hospitals for heat-related emergencies after experiencing symptoms of dehydration, including passing out and seizure-like symptoms. Ambulances and medics from surrounding counties responded to the campus to assist with patient transfers and treatments. One student was airlifted to a nearby hospital, while 37 others were transported by ground ambulances. Authorities urge individuals to stay indoors and monitor themselves for symptoms of heat exhaustion in the Texas heat.
School districts across the United States, including Henrico County and Chesterfield County in Virginia, are cracking down on students who are behind on their scheduled vaccinations. Local health departments are partnering with schools to administer state-required vaccines before the start of the school year. Documentation of vaccinations must be provided to schools, or students may not be allowed to start on time. The Virginia Department of Health provides data on school districts' immunization rates, with Henrico County leading locally at 90.9% for 12th graders. Chesterfield County has a rate of 32.1% for Fall 2022, but efforts are being made to increase immunization rates before school starts. Families can seek religious exemptions, but health departments are urging those behind on shots to make appointments for vaccinations.
