By Grace Deng

In the past two weeks, the nurse’s office has seen 5.7 percent of the entire SAS Pudong population and 4.4 percent of the high school population come down with cold and/or flu symptoms. While only one case has been confirmed, head nurse Anna Tian said school nurses cannot officially confirm cold and flu cases because they are not doctors.

While Tian did not keep data on last year’s flu season, she feels like this year’s flu season is slightly better than last year’s at SAS, which follows global trends.

According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 to 7 million Americans—about 2 percent of the American population—have fallen sick since flu season began this year in the fall. While the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention does not appear to provide statistics for this year’s flu season overall yet, state media claims China is having a milder flu season than last year despite the nearly nationwide vaccine shortage.

Tian says a common myth about the flu is that vaccinations are not effective.

“In some cases, students can still get the flu, but symptoms will be less severe,” said Tian.

Tian says another myth is that the flu will always clear up by itself, and strongly encourages parents to send their children to the doctor.

If SAS students are experiencing flu symptoms, Tian strongly encourages them to wear masks to school. Tian recommends students check her Schoology post for tips for preventing and treating the flu (suggestions include washing your hands and getting enough rest). According to school policy, students with fevers above 37.8 degrees Celsius must stay at home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours.

“Some students worry about their classes, so they just come to school,” Tian said. “That is a big risk.”