By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
With masks, extra hand washing, and isolation, one of the few good side effects of COVID-19 was a decrease in the number of other viruses over the past two years. Those days are gone as Kansas continues to see a spike in various illnesses, which has caused several closures. Most dramatically, Osage City, located between Topeka and Emporia, closed its school doors until January. Locally, this weekend's Great Bend High School Mardrigals and Concert Choir performance was canceled due to staff illness.
Health Director Karen Winkelman said even if some of the COVID-19 protocols are not being followed these days, there is still one easy way to stop the spread of illness.
"We stressed the preventative things so much the past two to three years," Winkelman said. "I think people are getting a little lax on that, maybe. I think the important thing is if you're sick, with anything, stay home. Stay home and away from people."
The Osage City school district reported that on Dec. 14, more than 40 percent of its student population was absent due to illness. "(The Kansas Department of Health and Environment) has been very strong in saying that they don't go by percentage of absenteeism," Winkelman said. "They look at staff - if you have staff to be able to keep the kids in school. If you start canceling schools, the kids congregate somewhere, or parents have to stay home from work. School districts have some decisions to make, too."
Kansas patients reporting to the provider for flu-like illnesses peaked at just over two percent in September 2021. That number increased to nearly six percent in December 2021, and surpassed 12 percent late last month.
"We're still giving a lot of flu vaccine," said Winkelman. "It takes about two weeks for it to become fully effective, so with the holidays coming, now is the time to do that."
The Barton County Health Department is still offering influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone six months of age or older. Ensley said if it's been at least two months since the last shot, it's time for another booster. The clinic also provides drive-thru testing in the alley at 11 a.m., though they ask interested parties to call in advance. Those specimens are sent to a state lab where they are usually tested for influenza, COVID-19, and sometimes RSV. Results are typically returned within 24-48 hours. The health department also has a free supply of COVID-19 home tests.