Notes from the Nurse

OH NO! IS IT THE FLU?

The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by the influenza virus.

Symptoms: feeling tired, fever (greater than 100 F), headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and sore muscles. Children may also experience stomach problems and diarrhea. Cough can last two weeks or more. (People with the flu will spread the infection when they cough, sneeze and have a runny nose.) It is very important to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough to prevent spreading germs. People become sick when they come in contact with the infection (flu germs).

Prevention:

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

  • Cover your mouth and nose.

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into the crook of your elbow. Wash your hands immediately if you inadvertently use your hand to cover your mouth.

  • Clean your hands.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

  • Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Treatment: If your child has flu symptoms, please keep him/her home and consult your doctor. It is important for the child to drink plenty of fluids and get as much rest as possible.

 If your child has a temperature of 100 or greater, they can not attend school. Students must be free of fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) before returning to school. Keeping your child home and allowing plenty of rest will ensure a faster recovery for your child and prevent the spread of the infection to others.

If your child has diarrhea, they can not attend school. Students must be 24 hours past the last episode of diarrhea before returning to school. Keeping your child home and allowing plenty of rest and hydration will ensure a faster recovery for your child and prevent the spread of infection to others.