Dear CM Parents,
We are beginning to see flu among our students here at CM, as would be expected given the flu activity in the local area. In accordance with public health guidelines, we are asking that you NOT send your son to school if he is displaying symptoms of the flu. If your son is diagnosed with the flu, please let the school know that when you notify the school of his absence. This information is very useful in terms of understanding the impact of the illness at CM.
If your son becomes ill at school, he will be directed to the school nurse. If the nurse determines that your son has a high probability of having the flu, a parent will be called, and the student will need to be picked up as soon as possible.
Please take the time to read the following information from the CDC regarding the flu.
Flu Symptoms
Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
·
Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
·
Cough
·
Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Muscle or body aches
· Headaches
· Fatigue (tiredness)
· Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Preventing Seasonal Flu
The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions (like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent handwashing) to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.
How Flu Spreads
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
Period of Contagiousness
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. In general, people with the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins.
How long should I stay home if I’m sick?
The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
We appreciate your efforts in helping us to maintain a healthy environment for the entire CM community. Please feel free to reach out with questions at any time.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Anne M. Batcheller, RN, BSN, AE-C
School Nurse
