Dear Parents/Guardians,

Since we are seeing an increase of Influenza (flu) in the community and each of our schools, we want to remind families of how the flu can present, emergency warning signs that could necessitate a trip to the emergency room, and the return to school guidelines after a diagnosis of the flu. 

      Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs.  Flu is different from a cold and usually comes on suddenly.  Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, feeling tired and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly by droplets made when someone with flu coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.  A person can also get the flu by touching something that has the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose. People with flu may be able to infect others from one day before getting sick to up to seven days after. 

      If your child is 5 years or older and does not have long-term health problems and gets flu symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, you should consult your doctor as needed.  Children younger than 5 years, especially those younger than 2 years, and children with certain chronic health conditions (including asthma, diabetes and disorders for the brain and nervous system), are at higher risk of serious flu complications and you should call your doctor or take your child to the doctor right away if they develop flu symptoms. 

      If your child is experiencing the following emergency warning signs, you should go to emergency room for assessment:   

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing   

• Fever above 104 that is not controlled by fever-reducing medicine 

• Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying) 

• Not alert or interacting when aware 

• Seizures 

• Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk) 

• This list is not all inclusive, please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning 

      If your child is diagnosed with the flu, they will need to stay home from school for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone and their symptoms have improved or resolved. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever reducing medicine.   

      In addition to getting a flu vaccine, you and your child should take everyday actions to help prevent the spread of germs: stay away from people who are sick; cover your cough and sneezes; wash your hands often with soap and water; do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth; and clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with flu viruses. 

      Here is a link to more information on the NYS Department of Health website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/fact_sheet.htm.

Thank you,

C-RCS School Nurses