On Wednesday, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced that the flu was "widespread" in the Ocean State, but according to Barrington officials the hard-hitting bug has, so far, spared local schools. 

Police arrest wrong-way driver on Route 114.

On Thursday, Jan. 12, Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore said it appeared that local schools were not experiencing an uptick or surge in flu cases. In fact, some elementary schools were seeing very limited student absences.

Mr. Messore said he had spoken with the district's head of nurses, Denise Flores. 

"We're not seeing an impact in our schools right now," said Mr. Messore.

The superintendent's message was welcome news following an earlier report from the state department of health. Just two days ago, health officials stated "Disease surveillance systems at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have detected an increase in viral respiratory and gastrointestinal illness over the past several days. This is not unexpected for this time of year; however, the department is urging all Rhode Islanders to help prevent the spread of viral illnesses like the flu and norovirus by practicing good personal protection measures."

The press release from the state also shared some helpful tips in limiting the spread of illnesses, ranging from washing hands to staying out of school or work if someone displays symptoms.

That was a similar message to the one shared by school principals on Wednesday, Jan. 11: "Children who are vomiting, have a fever, or have diarrhea should not be coming to school," stated the reminder. "They should return to school when they are symptom free for 24 hours. This will help keep all of our students, faculty, and staff healthy."

The RI Department of Health also recommended people who have not yet been vaccinated for the flu to do so as soon as possible. 

"Flu vaccine is the best way to keep yourself and the people you love safe from the flu," stated the release.

Barrington schools hosted a number of flu vaccine clinics in the fall. The clinics were open to all residents.

The department of health's recent press release stated that flu shots are still available at doctors' offices and pharmacies throughout Rhode Island.

Stopping the spread

Following are some helpful tips in limiting the spread of illnesses:

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and warm water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel. 

• Sneeze and cough into your elbow

• If you are sick, stay home from work, school, or childcare. 

• If you are a food handler, healthcare worker, or child care worker and are vomiting or have diarrhea, you must stay home until symptoms have stopped for at least 48 hours. 

• Do not share utensils, water bottles, or other personal items. Many germs that cause viral illness are spread through saliva.

• Wipe down common items like phones, keyboards, door knobs, and railings with a disinfectant that contains bleach. You can also use a solution of 5-25 tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water. 

• If you have not already done so, get your flu shot.