On Jan. 16, Fluvanna County Public Schools posted a reminder on Facebook encouraging parents to keep sick kids home this season.

The announcement read as follows:

As we move through the next couple of colder months, we are seeing an increase in seasonal illnesses. To help protect all students and staff, we ask that you please keep your child home if they are showing signs of illness. This includes:

• Fever
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Persistent cough or sore throat
• Severe congestion
• Any symptoms that prevent them from participating comfortably in school activities
• Children must be fever‑free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.

The Facebook post noted that “Keeping sick children home helps prevent the spread of illness and ensures a healthier environment for everyone.”

FCHS School Nurse Chelsea Seay noted, “We’ve had a lot of congestion, cough, fevers, stomach issues, and malaise. Before winter break, there were a lot of cases, and that is continuing in January.”

Seay encouraged students to take steps to help prevent illness. “Keep your hands washed, wear a mask where possible if you have a cough, and do not drink after someone else from the same drink,” she said.

Due to the increase in flu and other viruses, some local heath centers have put temporary rules in place. According to NBC29.com, “There are now new rules at UVA Health. You’ll now have to wear a mask to enter the emergency departments in Charlottesville, Culpeper, and Northern Virginia.”