Flu Prevention
The flu is an infection
of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Unlike
colds, the influenza virus is spread through the air. When an
infected child coughs, sneezes or speaks into the air, microscopic
droplets of the active flu virus enter the lining of a child’s nose,
throat or airways and reproduce quickly. Unlike common cold
symptoms, the flu has a sudden onset of headaches, fever, chills,
muscle aches, an overall lousy feeling, coughing and sore throat.
The “stomach flu” is really not the flu at all; other viruses cause
it. The flu is highly contagious among children in constant close
proximity and therefore can spread quickly throughout schools,
creating epidemics.
A child who is exposed to the virus will usually become sick in one
to three days. The worst of the illness lasts for 3 to 5 days but
the cough and tired feeling may go on for a week or more. Not all
cases of the flu are severe. A sick child is advised to stay at home
from the first day of illness when symptoms are most severe and the
infection is most contagious. Children can return to school when
symptoms have completely resolved and no fever has been detected for
at least 24 hours. It is best to add an extra day or two to recover
fully.
In addition to the flu vaccine there also are certain good health
habits that you can teach your child to prevent being exposed to the
virus. These include:
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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper arm when coughing or sneezing. This can help prevent those around you from getting sick.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel especially after coughing, sneezing or cleaning your nose. Washing your hands often will help protect you from contracting or spreading germs.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
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Avoid close contact. If you experience any flu symptoms STAY HOME, rest and drink plenty of fluids and you will help prevent others from catching your illness. Over the counter medications may relieve symptoms of flu.
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Ventilate rooms by opening windows as appropriate.
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Staff and parents can help slow the spread of colds and flu by reminding your child to use the above good health habits and by keeping your sick child at home. Please contact your school nurse for further questions or concerns regarding the flu or other illnesses.
