Flu Tips
Many children and teachers have been absent due to viral illnesses (colds and flu) in the last few weeks. At this time, it is very important to try to stop the spread of these illnesses. You and your children should follow these easy steps to help protect yourselves from colds and flu (as well as many other contagious diseases).
- Wash hands often with warm water and soap and for at least 15 seconds, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Use tissues. Wash hands after wiping noses.
- Do not share food, drinks, cups, or eating utensils.
- Do not touch the spout of the water fountain when drinking.
- Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly and eat healthy foods.
Sometimes children will get sick anyway. The best thing you can do is to keep children home when they are sick. This will help stop the spread of illness to other children and teachers. Children need to be kept home when they have any of these symptoms:
- Fever of 100.6 degrees F or higher
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe headache
- Diarrhea
- Red, watery eyes with yellow drainage
- Unexplained rash
Children should stay home until they have been without fever for at least 24 hours. Please do not give children Tylenol or Advil (ibuprofen) and then send them to school.
If you are called to pick up a sick child at school, please come quickly.
If you know your child has been exposed to someone diagnosed with the flu virus, call your doctor immediately to find out what to do.
Thanks for your help in this very important matter. If you have questions, you may call your school nurse.
|
Gibbie Harris, MSPH, FNP |
David Damsker, MD, MPH |