Been feeling ill or under the weather? Unfortunately, you are not alone. As of recently, that is the topic of discussion whether it be by people on Facebook, the morning coffee crews or the South Dakota news. It has affected our local area, including hitting one local school with enough force for them to close the school for the day. On January 20 Menno School District closed the school due to a large number of both students and staff with illnesses. As reported by Wagner Community Memorial Hospital- Avera and Wagner Clinic- Avera’s Infection Control Nurse, Kayla Krcil, RN, the four main viruses that the hospital and clinic have been seeing are Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza A, Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and strep throat. The following medical information was provided by Kayla in order to better inform the local communities of what to look for and expect from these viruses and bacteria. RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes inflammation of the lungs and airway. RSV can cause more serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, hypoxia and respiratory failure in infants, young children, older adults and others with underlying health conditions. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, congestion, fever and a sore throat. There is no specific treatment for RSV. It is recommended to rest, push fluids and alternate Tylenol and Ibuprofen to provide some relief. Influenza A is an illness that comes from the influenza virus; the flu is one of the most common infectious diseases which can last a few days or up to two weeks. Flu symptoms include body aches, sore throat, fever/ chills, respiratory symptoms/ cough, fatigue and diarrhea/ vomiting. Rest, pushing fluids, alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen and over the counter cough suppressants can help manage the symptoms. Covid-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people with Covid 19 will mildly to moderate experience fever/ chills, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat and headaches mildly to moderately. Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus pyogenes with symptoms that include sore throat; fever; red, swollen tonsils; white or yellow spots on the tonsils; difficulty swallowing; nausea or vomiting; and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. These four viruses/bacteria have three aspects in common. In order to help control the spreading of the viruses and bacteria to wash hands frequently, cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and avoid sharing utensils or drinks as they are all spread through respiratory droplets. The second common thread between these two is if sick, please stay home to quarantine from others as much as possible or if quarantining is not an option, then wear a mask at the very least. All of the viruses and bacterial infections are diagnosed by a medical professional and are tested using a nasal or throat swab. Even though no one wants their child to miss classroom time at school, sometimes it is the best option, not only for your child, but their classmates and the staff that can all be exposed to these viruses and bacteria if those that are sick are not following medical guidelines. Avon has been fortunate that although they have had sick students, they have maintained an attendance rate at or above 90% as a school average. The only grade level to drop below 90% was the sophomore class with an 87.93% attendance in the last month. In the Avon School District illnesses seems to be hitting different grade levels at different times, according to Principal Lindsey Fathke. Although the students have had diagnoses of strep throat, inf luenza, stomach virus, sinus infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. the teachers and staff have still been able to come to school.