"We have some sinusitis," Howard said. "Nobody that I know has reported the flu."

Howard said having nurses and health assistants in Norman schools has helped keep an eye on illness rates. Each high school has a nurse to treat students, licensed practical nurses are placed at middle schools and part-time health assistants care for elementary students.

"We've had a slight increase with people going home with GI stuff. Other than that I haven't heard a large number of absences," Howard said.

She said students and teachers are encouraged to wash their hands and schools are cleaned with disinfectants.

Washington Elementary principal Dr. Linda Parsons said it's been common for students to suffer from allergies, asthma and colds.

"It has kind of died down," Parsons said. "We had a stomach bug and it seems to have gotten more under control."

She said the school is preparing for flu season, which is right around the corner.

Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com