What can I do to prevent catching the flu?
Take these steps to protect your health and the health of those you take care of:
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet away) with sick people as much as possible.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and teach children and others how to properly wash their hands.
- Encourage people to cough or sneeze into the bend (crook) of the arm (inside of the elbow) or into their shirt sleeves.
What is the school district doing to help reduce the spread of germs?
Since the start of school, the school district has increased its cleaning and sanitizing efforts of all commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, desks, etc. (the flu virus is only viable for 2-8 hours on a surface). Recently, the district has brought in additional staff to intensify this effort. School nurses / teaching staff are continuing to educate students about coughing/sneezing techniques, hand washing skills and other preventive measures. Parents and guardians will be contacted and students will be sent home if students appear sick at school.
What can I do if my child gets the flu?
- Stay home, stay away from others who are healthy.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Take Tylenol for fever, headache or muscle ache.
- Go to the emergency room only if you have severe symptoms.
How long should students or staff with flu-like symptoms stay out of school?
Ill students, faculty, and staff should stay home from school until at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. (Their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Ill people should contact their health care providers immediately if their symptoms get worse or if their symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough. Please provide documentation to your child’s school only if they are out sick 10 or more school days.
Is closing school an effective way to stop the spread of the flu?
Because the flu has spread widely throughout the U.S., and people may be contagious prior to showing symptoms, closing individual schools is a less effective way to stop the spread of the flu. The best way to prevent the spread of the flu is for sick people to stay home and avoid contact with others until they are well. That’s why federal, state and local health departments no longer recommend school closures due to the flu except in special circumstances.
Are school district employees required to receive the flu vaccine?
No, but employees are encouraged to receive the flu vaccine under the guidance of their primary care physician.
What are the procedures for making up school work when students are absent?
Please refer to your school’s web page for information on how to make up missed work.
Are there any changes to the schedule for extracurricular activities or sports?
All after school events, activities, games and practices will run as scheduled unless announced otherwise. |
