A Note from your School Nurse
Concerns about the flu this season may be heightened due to the influenza virus identified as H1N1. This strain of the influenza virus was first identified in people in April of this year. The flu, whether identified as H1N1 or not, is an illness we can take measures to prevent spreading. The H1N1 virus is spread the same way seasonal flu is spread. Viruses are spread mainly from person to person by coughing or sneezing by people who are sick. Sometimes people can be infected by touching something, such as a surface or object with flu virus on it, then touching their mouth or nose.
Preventative measures we can take to minimize the transmission of germs are:
Flu symptoms include fever (100 degrees or higher taken orally), headache, chills, body aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Sometimes, people may experience diarrhea and vomiting, also.
If you become sick, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone. This means you should be fever-free without the use of fever reducing medicines such as Tylenol or Advil/Motrin/ Ibuprofen for 24 hours before you return to school.
Maintain good hygiene practices as noted above. Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
If you see your doctor for flu symptoms, an antiviral medication may be prescribed (TAMIFLU); however this must be taken within the first 24-48 of the onset of illness. Another preventative measure against the flu is getting a flu vaccine.
In our busy and sometimes stressful lives, remember the benefits of a good night’s sleep and healthy meals!
Keep washing your hands and stay healthy. Please do not come to school if you do not feel well.
Go to http://www.cdc.gov./H1N1FLU/ for more information regarding H1N influenza