Cold & Flu Season

Cold & Flu Season
Posted on 01/26/2018

Link to Spanish Cold & Flu Letter

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Cold and flu season is upon us. To prevent widespread flu in the school, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines.  Definitely keep your child at home and consider seeking medical attention if he or she has any of these symptoms:

  • Fever (greater than 100 degrees by mouth. Your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications)
  • Vomiting (even once) or Diarrhea
  • Chills, general malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
  • Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough.  Shortness of breath
  • Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose

Consider keeping your child at home for rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

  • Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough
  • Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
  • Headache or mild stomach ache

To help prevent the flu and other colds, teach your children good hygiene habits:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth

The flu shot is one of the best ways to prevent illness from the seasonal influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults and children receive the flu vaccine each year. A child who has a fever should remain at home until “fever free” for a minimum of 24 hours. Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin), it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not they should attend school. Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities upon return to school. Keeping a sick child at home will help minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.

In addition to hand washing, parents / students are being asked to bring a container of disinfecting wipes to school (Clorox or Lysol brand disinfecting wipes).  These wipes can be used by staff to wipe classroom surfaces to help eliminate cold and flu viruses.  We will add these items to the Student Supply list for next year.

Sincerely, Your School Nurse Team

Paula Lind, RN, MSN, NCSN (District Nurse) MacArthur Middle School 708-449-3266
Charlotte Morris, LPN Sunnyside Intermediate School 708-449-3444
Dannielle Scott, LPN Jefferson Primary School 708-449-3589
Susan Anderson, LPN Northlake Middle School 708-449-3741
Trilby Temp, RN Riley Intermediate School 708-449-3612
Val Novak, RN Whittier Primary School 708-449-3882

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