Welcome/Important Information

 

Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff:

The start of cold and flu season has arrived. Most seasonal flu activity typically occurs between October and May. Flu most commonly peaks during December and February. To protect yourself and your child this flu season, the CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first step in protecting against this serious disease. To prevent wide spread cold and flu in the school I recommend that your child stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of the flu.  

Keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms –

• Fever (100.4 degrees or greater by mouth.)

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea

• Chills

• General malaise or feeling of fatigue, discomfort, weakness, or muscle aches.

• Frequent congestion (wet) croupy cough 

**If the diagnosis is strep throat, the student should remain at home for 24 hours after starting the first dose of antibiotic treatment.**

To prevent the spread of cold and flu germs-

• Wash hands frequently. Emphasize hand washing prior to meals and preparing food, after using the restroom, when returning home from school, after playing outside, after being around someone who is ill, after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose, and after playing with pets.

• Prevent from touching eye, nose, and mouth.

• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Use a tissue, throw it away, and wash hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Colds are the most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain at home until “fever free” for a minimum of 24 hours.