What to Watch for During Flu Season
Keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms:
• Fever-greater than 100.0 F and your child should stay home until at least 24 hours after they no
longer have a fever over 100.0 F. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing
medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
• Vomiting- your child should stay home until there is no occurrence of vomiting for 24 hours.
• Diarrhea- your child should stay home until there is no occurrence of diarrhea for 24 hours.
• Chills
• General feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness, or body aches
• Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
• Persistent nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose
• Rash
To help prevent the flu and other infections, teach your children good hygiene habits:
• Wash hands frequently
• Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with a paper tissue and throw it away, then
wash your hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
The flu and other infections are most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever
should remain at home until they are fever free for a minimum of 24 hours. Often when a child awakens
with vague complaints (the way flu begins), it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two
before deciding whether or not to bring them to school. Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the
spread of infections and viruses in the classroom. The Flu vaccine remains the number one way to
prevent the flu. It is not too late to receive the vaccine for this season.
Thank you in advance for helping to keep this school year as healthy as possible.
