Parents/Guardians
The flu season is upon us. Please do not send your children to school if they have symptoms listed below. Communicate with your student’s teacher, principal or school nurse re: the reason for their absence
What are the symptoms of the Flu?
Influenza, commonly known as the “Flu”, is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms of influenza begin suddenly and include fever, headache, chills, body/muscle aches, extreme tiredness, dry cough, and sore throat. Young children may also have nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting alone, often reported as the “stomach flu”, are often caused by other factors and are not influenza.
How is Flu Spread?
Influenza is easily spread from person-to-person through the air by coughing or sneezing. Surfaces and hands contaminated with nose, mouth, or throat secretions can also spread influenza viruses. An infected person may spread influenza one day before having symptoms and up to seven days after becoming ill.
Prevention: The flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu. However, there are other good health habits that help prevent the flu 1)keep distance from people who are sick or distance yourself from people when you are sick: 2)cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; 3) wash your hands often: 4) avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
How is Flu Diagnosed/treated?
Should your child present any of the symptoms, we recommend that you consult your family health care provider. Anti-viral medications are available by prescription that may reduce the length of the illness. Any student presenting these signs and symptoms will be excluded from school. Please note: Students must be fever free (without the aid of fever reducing medication) for 24 hours before returning to school.
How do I get more information?
For more information about flu, contact your healthcare provider, school nurse or visit the following website: www.cdc.gov
http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/influenza/prevention.html
