Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)The Flu: A Guide For Parents
How does the flu spread?
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Some people with the flu will not have a fever.
I can protect my child against the flu?
In addition to getting vaccinated, take – and encourage your child to take – everyday steps that can help prevent the spread of germs.
This includes:
„ Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
„ Stay away from people who are sick.
„ Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
„ Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
„ If someone in the household is sick, try to keep the sick person in a separate room from others in the household, if possible.
„ Keep surfaces like bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
„ Throw tissues and other disposable items used by sick persons in your household in the trash.
These everyday steps are a good way to reduce your chances of getting all sorts of illnesses, but a yearly flu vaccine is always the best way to specifically prevent the flu.
What should I use for hand washing?
Washing hands with soap and water (for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice) will help protect against many germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
When can my child go back to school after having the flu?
Keep your child home from school, day care or camp for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) A fever is defined as 100°F (37.8°C) or higher.
HEALTHY SCHOOLS PROGRAM
Hazelwood School District signed an agreement with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Through this agreement each local school site will develop their school wellness committee with the school nurse as the chairperson.
The Healthy Schools Program will provide ongoing support to the Hazelwood District schools as they work to develop healthier school environments through the assistance of an Alliance Manager. Their support will be provided in person, by phone and via email, and they will continue to provide support over the course of the next several school years.
Each meeting/training with the Alliance will be attended by each school’s wellness committee chair. To facilitate collaboration across the district, all school wellness committee chairs in our district will be trained at the same time. The representatives from the Healthy Schools Program will visit each school to discuss progress, identify opportunities for leveraging district resources and discuss ways that they can assist the district’s efforts to support healthier school environments.