Please be aware there have been several confirmed cases of influenza in the school district. There have been many students absent.
Influenza is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses that infects the nose, throat and lungs. It is not the “stomach flu” we often think of as the “flu.” Someone with influenza may be contagious one day prior to symptoms and five to seven days after symptoms occur.
Signs and Symptoms of Influenza (Flu)
• 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
It’s important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
Due to these cases at school, it is even more important to remember your child should remain at home for at least 24 hours without a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. After having a fever, a child should remain fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
If your child has a cough, sore throat, fever or other symptoms, please keep your child home. Even a bad cough or cold without a fever can be contagious.
Please use good discretion before sending your child to school. Students should be kept home if they are too ill to focus and participate in school or school activities. Keeping them home when ill helps them to heal more quickly and can help prevent the spread of the illness to other students.
We appreciate your help as we try to keep not only students with special health concerns healthy, but also our other students and staff too. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.