February 3, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Cold and flu season is upon us. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that influenza, or “the flu,” activity levels have increased over the past several weeks.
The 2019-2020 flu season has been complicated by recent reports and increasing media coverage of a novel coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Common symptoms in an infected person include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said the risk of local transmission is low.
Click here to read the full press release
from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
As a reminder, please do not send your child to school if they are feeling sick. Keeping your sick child home will be a great benefit for the health and wellness of our students and staff. Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications. Symptoms of influenza can vary, but generally include a high fever, headache, chills, body aches, sore throat, and cough. According to the CDC, the best way to prevent influenza is as follows:
Tips to Prevent The Flu:
- Get vaccinated every year
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap
- Stay at home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms; all students and staff with any respiratory illness should remain home until they are 24 hour fever-free without the use of fever reducing medication
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional
- See more prevention tips here from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District will monitor updates from the CDC and the California Department of Public Health. They are encouraging you to seek medical care if you traveled to Wuhan, China since December 1, 2019, and you’ve developed a fever and/or respiratory symptoms within 14 days of your return. We thank you for your cooperation and support.
Sincerely,
