Influenza

Flu vaccines are encouraged...

Parents and Guardians,

Just a reminder that the flu season is starting and you and your child can take action in protecting your health by performing these everyday steps:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not your hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough and sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Watch carefully for signs and symptoms of the flu. The H1N1 flu virus is similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting have also been reported.

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

I would encourage all to receive the flu vaccines when available.

Thank you,
Judy Knolhoff, R.N.
School Nurse