The influenza virus (fevers with cough or sore throat) has hit Minnesota and the metro area and is now widespread around the US. We are starting to see more of it in our community and here at school. We have also seen an increase in colds and stomach viruses.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) the influenza vaccine is not 100% effective, but it's the best protection against infection and against having a serious bout of flu. It is not too late to get an influenza vaccine. You can get them at retail pharmacies, retail clinics and your primary doctor's office.
Please continue to encourage your students to practice good hand washing and remind them to cover their cough and sneezes with their elbow. Wash hands before eating, after eating, after the bathroom, after blowing your nose/coughing into hands, after assisting a student who is ill and anytime your hands are visibly dirty. Hand sanitizers are NOT effective against most stomach viruses. Soap, warm water and friction while washing hands is always best.
Take care of yourselves. Rest and fluids not only helps when you are sick they can also help keep your immune system strong to fight off infections.
Students should stay home from school if they have an oral temperature of 100 degrees or higher and should stay home until a minimum of 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal without fever reducing medications (ibuprofen; Motrin,Advil/acetaminophen;Tylenol)
Fevers, diarrhea and vomiting are friends you should visit at home and not bring to school as special guests. Students should stay home until a minimum of 24 hours after last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
Wipe down surfaces that are frequently touched: doorknobs, door jams, pens or pencils, computer mice that have multiple users, pencil sharpeners, clipboards/books, game controllers, TV remotes that are shared, etc. Anything that is universally touched in your classroom or home should be wiped down frequently throughout the day.
Again, it is NOT TOO LATE to get a flu shot.
